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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Inttituta  for  Hiatorical  Microraproductions  /  Inatitut  Canadian  da  microraproductiona  hiatoriquaa 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notas/Notas  tachniquas  at  bibiiographiquas 


Th4 
to 


The  Inttituta  haa  attamptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  availabia  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  thia 
copy  which  may  ba  bibliographically  uniqua, 
which  may  altar  any  of  tha  imagaa  in  tha 
raproduction,  or  which  may  aignifieantly  changa 
tha  uaual  mathod  of  filming,  ara  chackad  balow. 


D 


D 

D 


D 


Coloured  covara/ 
Couvartura  da  coulaur 


I     I   Covara  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagAe 


□   Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  reataurte  et/ou  peliiculte 


I — I   Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  giographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encra  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I     I   Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


D 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  an  coulaur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
RaliA  avec  d'autras  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrAe  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  da  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  IntMeure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  tha  text.  Whenever  possible,  thaaa 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certainas  pages  blanches  ajoutAaa 
lors  d'une  reatauration  apparaisaant  dans  la  taxta, 
mais,  lorsqua  ceia  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  AtA  f  ilmAas. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentairas  supplAmantaires: 


L'Institut  a  microfilm*  la  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'll  lul  a  *t4  possible  da  se  procurer.  Les  details 
da  cat  exemplaire  qui  aont  paut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographiqua,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  raproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dana  la  mAthoda  normale  de  f ilmage 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 


D 
D 
D 
0 
D 
C3 
D 
D 
D 
D 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagAas 

Pages  restored. and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurAas  et/ou  pelliculies 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  dAcolorAas,  tachatias  ou  piquias 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  dAtachias 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Qualit*  in4^ala  de  I'lmprebsion 

Includer  supplementary  material/ 
Comprand  du  materiel  supplAmantaira 

Only  edition  available/ 
Sauia  Mition  disponibia 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  bean  rafilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Lea  pages  totalamant  ou  partiallament 
obscurcies  par  un  fauillet  d'errata.  una  pelure. 
etc.,  ont  At*  filmAas  i  nouvaau  de  fa^on  A 
obtenir  la  maillaura  image  possible. 


Th 
po 
of 
filr 


Ori 
b« 
th( 
sto 
otii 
fin 
sio 
or 


Th< 
ahi 
TIR 
wh 

Ma 

dit 
an^ 
bef 
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req 
me 


This  item  is  filmed  at  tha  reduction  ratio  checked  balow/ 

Ce  document  est  filmA  au  taux  da  rAduction  indiquA  ci-dassous. 

10X  14X  ItX  22X 


MX 


aox 


>/ 

12X 


16X 


aox 


ux 


2tX 


»x 


Th*  copy  film«d  h«r«  has  b««n  raproducMl  thankt 
to  th«  gwMrotity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


L'axampiaira  filniA  fut  raproduit  grAca  h  ia 
ginirotitA  da: 

BibiiotliAqua  nationala  du  Canada 


Tha  imagaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  baat  quailty 
poMibia  conaidaring  tha  condition  and  lagibiiity 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  tpacificationa. 


Laa  Imagaa  suivantaa  ont  AtA  raproduitas  avac  la 
piua  grand  aoln,  compta  tanu  da  ia  condition  at 
da  la  nattatA  da  raxamplaira  filmA,  at  an 
conformitA  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
baginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  iliustratad  impras- 
sion,  or  tha  back  covar  whan  approprlata.  All 
othar  original  copias  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  iliustratad  impras- 
sion,  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  iliustratad  Imprassion. 


Tha  last  racordad  f rama  on  aach  microflcha 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  —^>  (moaning  "CON* 
TINUED"),  or  tha  symbol  ▼  (moaning  "END"), 
whichavar  applias. 


Laa  axamplairas  originaux  dont  ia  couvertura  an 
papiar  ast  ImprimAa  sont  fiimAs  an  commandant 
par  ia  pramiar  plat  at  an  tarminant  soit  par  ia 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainte 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  ia  sacond 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  las  autras  axamplairas 
originaux  sont  fiimAs  an  commanpant  par  ia 
pramiAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainte 
d'imprassion  ou  d'illustration  at  an  tarminant  par 
la  darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  tails 
amprainta. 

Un  das  symbolas  suivants  apparattra  sur  ia 
darnlAra  imaga  da  chaque  microfiche,  salon  ie 
cas:  la  symbols  -^  signif la  "A  SUIVRE  ",  Ie 
symbols  ▼  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  In  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  aa  many  framea  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Lea  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
fiimAs  A  dee  taux  de  rAduction  diff  Arents. 
Lorsque  ie  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reprodult  en  un  seul  clichA,  II  est  filmA  A  partir 
de  Tangle  supArieur  gauche,  de  geuche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  has,  en  prenant  Ie  nombre 
d'imeges  nAcessaire.  Las  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  ia  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

32X 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

I  ;.7  "  ■  -'  •  !ff.1*R J*!i,'W^1^H*Wf if*fMrW  }>^m^^ 


i    i 


/ 


THE   LIFE 


OK 


SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL,  Bart., 


THE  ONLY  NATIVE  OF  NEW  ENGLAND  WHO  WAS  CREATED  A  BARONET 
DURING  OUR  CONNECTION  WITH  THE  MOTHER  COUNTRY. 


BY 


USHER    PARSONS 


r 


N 


BOSTON: 

LITTLE,  BROWN  AND  COMPANY. 

1855. 


em 


/ 


\ 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Gongreso,  in  the  year  1865,  by 

LITTLE,  BROWN  AND  COMPANY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


I 


CAMBRIDGE: 
ALLEN  AND  FABNHAM,  FRINTEBS. 


/ 


TO  THE 


HON.  LORCNZO  SABINE, 


UHOSE   FAITHFUL  SKETCHES  OF  THE 


LIVES    OP    ''AMERICAN    LOYALISTS," 


AND    OTHER    VALUABLE    PUBLICATIONS, 


F.NTITLU    HIM    TO    THE    OBATITUDE    OF    THE    PUBLIC, 


THI3      VOLUME 


IS    RESPECTFULLY    INSCRIBED 


BS 


THE  AUTHOR. 


/ 


«  .    V-  'vi 


PREFACE. 


The  author,  two  or  three  years  age,  received  from  a  friend 
in  New  York,  a  package  of  papers,  which  he  was  desired  to  use 
a»  materials  for  a  Life  of  Sir  William  Fepperrell,  the  renowned 
"  Hero  of  Louisburg."  These  papers  had  been  exposed  in  an 
old  shod  on  the  Fepperrell  estate,  probably  for  half  a  century, 
and  were  much  stained  and  defaced.  Tndeed  a  part  of  them 
had  become  almost  illegible,  while  others,  on  examination, 
proved  to  be  of  little  value,  being,  in  fact,  mere  business 
receipts,  bills  of  lading,  accounts,  and  memorandums.  They 
were  saved  from  total  destruction  by  Colonel  George  Spar- 
hawk,  who,  allied  by  marriage  to  descendants  of  Sir  William, 
and  living  near  the  Fepperrell  mansion,  arrar^ged  them  accord- 
ing to  their  dates,  in  a  sequence  of  years  fr^^Mj  1696  to  1759. 

Among  the  few  of  any  value  to  a  biographer  were  rough 
draughts  of  letters  to  correspondents,  and  original  letters  r'rom 
the  same.  But  even  these  were  in  a  measure  unintolligible 
without  their  correlatives,  w]iich  some  light-fingered  antiquaiy 
had  purloined.  Some  of  the  missing  documents  were,  however, 
recovered  by  diligent  search  subsequently,  greatly  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  author,  as  allowing  him  to  relate  incidents  in  the 
baronet's  career,  which  would  otherwise  have  been  omitted. 

A* 


/, 


VI 


PREFACE. 


But  yet  the  mnterinis,  when  collected  from  every  source,  were 
80  scanty,  as  almost  to  lend  to  a  determination  to  abandon  the 
undertaking.  In  truth,  I  persevered  only  at  the  earnest  solici- 
tations of  friends,  who  convinced  me  that  the  duty  ought  to  be 
performed  by  some  one,  that  every  year  of  delay  would  increase 
the  ditficultics  and  perplexities  which  discouraged  me,  and  that, 
while  I  miglit  fail  to  write  an  interesting  biography,  I  should  at 
least  rescue  from  oblivion  many  valuable  facts  for  an  abler  pen 
at  some  future  period. 

It  is  to  be  remembered,  that  Sir  William's  avocations  for  the 
ten  years  preceding  his  memorable  expedition  to  Louisburg, 
afford  few  events  worthy  of  notice.  He  was  one  of  the  prin- 
cii)al  merchants  of  the  day,  and  his  time  was  engrossed  by  the 
building  of  vessels,  the  planning  of  voyages  to  Europe  and  the 
islands  in  the  Caribbean  Sea,  the  erection  and  operation  of 
mills,  and  the  purchase  and  sale  of  domestic  and  foreign  pro- 
ductions. Meagre  as  are  the  records  of  his  business,  enough 
has  been  preserved  to  show  that,  as  a  man  of  trade,  he  was  skil- 
ful beyond  most,  and  that  his  success  was  not  the  result  of  what 
is  commonly  called  "luck,"  but  of  untiring  industry,  nice  calcu- 
lation, and  ability. 

Such  of  the  baronet's  papers  as  illustrate  the  annals  of  his 
country,  were  consulted  and  relied  on  as  the  best  possible 
authority  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Belknap,  in  writing  his  History  of  New 
Hampshire,  and  were  deposited  by  him  in  the  archives  of  the 
Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  where  they  still  remain.  The 
accuracy  of  BelknapV  c<  ncise  and  elegant  work,  so  far  as  relates 
to  the  siege  of  the  "  Dunkirk  of  America,"  is  attribUable  to  the 
materials  thus  obtained.  As  the  professed  his>:onan  of  a  single 
colony,  he  was  particular  to  present  to  his  readers  all  that 
seemed  worthy  of  record  touching  the  perils  and  services  of  its 


PREFACE. 


Vll 


people,  rather  than  a  detailed  account  of  the  whole  enterprise ; 
hence  the  prominence  given  by  him  to  the  troops  of  New  Hamp- 
shire. It  is  for  the  biographer  of  the  Commander  of  the  Expe- 
dition to  supply  omissions, and  to  state  that  his  native  "district," 
—  or  as  Maine  was  then  called,  the  "  county  of  York,"  —  fur- 
nished more  soldiers  in  proportion  to  its  population  than  any 
other  section  of  New  England,  namely,  upwards  of  one  thou- 
sand, or  nearly  one  third  of  the  whole  land  force  employed. 
And  this,  be  it  remembered,  when  the  enrolled  militia  of  Maine 
consisted  of  two  regiments  only. 

Brief  sketches  of  the  siege  and  reduction  of  Louisburg  are 
contained  in  the  history  of  each  New  England  province  and  of 
Nova  Scotia,  and  in  the  more  general  histories  of  the  times  in 
both  England  and  America.  It  was  the  greatest  warlike  enter- 
prise in  colonial  history,  and  the  crowning  event  in  PepperrcU's 
life ;  and  his  biographer  is  therefore  bound  to  give,  what  has  not 
hitherto  been  done,  a  detailed  account  of  it  from  the  most 
authentic  sources,  even  at  the  risk  of  seeming  prolixity.  This 
he  has  attempted  not  by  inferences  from  other  historians,  or  by 
a  web  of  his  own  weaving,  but  by  spreading  before  the  reader 
the  authentic  documents,  written  at  the  time  and  on  the  spot  by 
Sir  William  and  other  chief  actors  in  the  scene,  to  estimate  and 
decide  upon  their  character  and  import  for  himself. 

I  designed  to  prepare  an  original  plan  of  Louisburg,  but  after 
a  personal  inspcoiion  of  the  ruins  of  that  city,  and  after  an  ex- 
amination of  seveml  drawings  of  it  and  its  fortresses,  I  became 
satisfied  that  the  print  which  appeared  in  the  early  editions  of 
the  History  of  the  Colonization  of  the  United  States  admitted 
of  no  improvements ;  and  accordingly,  by  the  kind  permission 
of  Mr.  Bancroft,  used  his  plate  instead  of  a  new  one. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  John  Blunt,  Esq.,  of  New  York ; 


Vlll 


PHEFACE. 


I 


I 


Dr.  C.  W.  Parsons,  of  Providence ;  J.  Wingate  Thornton,  Esq., 
of  Boston;  Colonel  George  Sparhawk,  of  Kittury;  George 
A.  Ward,  Esq.,  of  Curwen's  Journal;  and  to  Hon.  Lorcnxo 
Sabine,  author  of  the  American  Loi/alists,  for  aid  and  sugges- 
tions, which  have  materially  assisted  me  iu  the  performance  of 
my  labors. 

PUOVIDENCE,  R.  I., 

May,  ISrjO. 


•  -It-. 


>    't-    -t' 


'l.Vl'-'t.'i;'*'      '' 


. '  > 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Willium  Pepperrell,  senior,  Father  of  the  Baronet.  —  Emigrates  to  the  Isle  of 
Shoals.  —  Marries  Miss  Bray,  and  settles  at  Kittory  Point.  —  Pascataqua 
River.  —  Its  Settlements  ond  Early  Trade.  —  Shipbuilding.  —  Indian  Wars. 

—  Education  of  Children.  —  Purchase  of  Saco  lands.  —  Appointed  Judge 
and  Colonel.  —  His  Death.  —  Death  and  Obituary  of  Mrs.  Pepperrell 

page  1-10 

CHAPTER  H. 

Birth  of  Sir  Williom  Pepperrell,  junior,  (the  Baronet).  —  Limited  Education 
and  Early  Employment  in  Trade.  —  Indian  Cruelties.  —  Nature  of  Trade. — 
Rises  in  Military  Stations.  —  Chosen  Representative  and  Councillor.  —  Mar- 
ries. —  Appointed  Cliief  Justice.  —  Never  imported  Slaves.  —  Family  Tomb . 

—  Will  of  his  Father.  —  Improves  Military  Discipline.  —  Benning  Went- 
worth  appointed  Governor.  —  Children  of  Pepperrell.  —  Marriage  of  his 
Daughter 20-40 

CHAPTER  in. 

Siege  of  Louisbnrg.— War  with  France.  —  Louisbnrg,  its  Situation  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Canadas.  —  Its  Strength.  —  Its  Commander  seizes  Canseau. — 
Expedition  against  it  projected  and  prepared.  —  Pepperrell  appointed  to 
Command.  —  Rapid  Enlistment.  —  Shirley's  absurd  Instructions     .    41-66 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Troops  embark  and  arrive  at  Canseau.  —  Warren  arrives  there  with  Ships.  — 
Landing  of  the  Army  at  Gabarus  Bay.  —  Vaughn  marches  with  four  hun- 
dred Men  and  bums  the  Public  Stores.  —  Grand  Battery  deserted.  —  Fas- 
cine Batteries  erected,  and  Cannon  drawn  over  a  Morass.  —  Flag  sent  in  to 
demand  a  Surrender.  —  Cannon  found  at  Light-house.  —  Vigilant  taken.  — 
Island  Batter}'  Attack  and  repulse.  —  Plan  of  Attack  on  the  City  agreed  on. 
—  Letter  sent  in  from  Marquis  de  la  Maison  Forte.—  Order  and  Signals 


X  TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 

for  storming  the  City.  —  Capitulation  ofFered,  agreed  on,  and  signed.  — 
Pepperrell  inarched  into  the  City  at  the  head  of  his  Troops.  —  Official  Re- 
ports of  the  Siege.  —  Public  Rejoicings  in  Boston  and  other  Cities.  —  Com- 
pliments from  the  King  and  Board  of  Admiralty.  —  Pepperrell  made  a 
Baronet,  Warren  an  Admiral,  and  Shirley  a  Colonel.  —  Dr.  Chauncy's 
Letter 67-J.lO 

CHAPTER  V. 

Heavy  rains  set  in  after  the  Siege.  —  Letters  of  Drs.  Ohauncy  and  Flint. — 
Shirley  requested  to  visit  Louisburg.  —  On  his  return  he  compliments  the 
Army  to  the  Legislature.  —  Several  rich  Prizes  taken.  —  Copy  of  a  joint 
Letter  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  giving  Official  Account  of  the  Surrender 

111-128 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Ry.in  appointed  Lieutenant-Colonel.  —  Bradstreet,  Lieutenant-  Governor  of 
Newfoundland.  —  Captain  Piercy  tried  for  Treason.  —  Lady  Warren  arrived. 
—  Letter  to  Governor  Wolcott.  —  Sickness.  —  Rhode  Island  Services.  — 
Warren's  Farewell  to  the  Army.  —  Complimentary  Address  from  Massa- 
chusetts, and  Pepperrell's  Reply.  —  Warren  and  Pepperrell  arrive  in  Bos- 
ton; grand  Reception.  —  Welcome  of  Speaker  to  Warren  and  Pepperrell, 
and  their  Replies.  —  Warren  leaves  for  England.  —  Pepperrell's  triumphant 
March  to  Portsmouth.  —  Concluding  Remarks      ....    129-146 


CHAPTER  VII. 

French  Forces  sent  under  Duke  D' Anville  to  destroy  Sea-ports.  —  Great  Prep- 
arations for  Defence.  —  Dispersion  and  Loss  of  Fleet.  —  Projected  Expedi- 
tion against  Canada,  abandoned.  —  Bradstreet  proposes  to  purchase  Pep- 
perrell's Commission.  —  Letter  to  Governor  Wolcott  about  Recruits.  —  Ryan 
is  detected  in  selling  Commissions.  —  Is  tried  and  cashiered.  —  Letter  to 
Rev.  Stephen  Williams.  —  To  Governor  Wentworth  about  building  a  Frig- 
ate. —  Prepares  for  second  Visit  to  Louisburg.  —  Anson  and  Warren  cap- 
ture French  Fleet.  —  Letter  to  Warren,  and  Recommendation  of  his  Nephew 

146-170 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Leaves  Louisburg  with  Knowles  for  Boston,  and  encounters  Tempest.  — 
Tumult  created  by  Impressment.  —  Letter  from  Waldo.  —  From  three  Sub- 
alterns, and  Reply.  —  From  five  Subalterns.  —  Secretary  of  War's  Construc- 
tion. —  Knowles's  two  Letters.  —  Letter  to  Governor  Hopson.  —  Suits 
against   Ryan,  who  escapes.  —  Mrs.   Frost's   Marriage  to  Dr.  Colman 

,  171-191 


/^ 


TABLE   OF  CONTENTS. 


XI 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Andrew  Pepperrell  is  engaged  to  liliss  Wa'do.  —  Correspondence  of  their 
Fathers  and  of  Isaac  Winslow.  —  Letter  to  Warren,  and  Answer.  —  Letter 
to  Governor  Hopson.  —  Forwards  Bearing's  Petition  for  Reprieve.  —  Shir- 
ley's lieply.  —  From  Sir  Peter  Warren  about  Reimbursements,  and  the 
Amount.  —  Regiment  is  disbanded 192-209 

CHAPTER  X. 

Sir  William  sails  for  London.  —  Sparhawk's  Letters.  —  Meets  Warren  and 
Waldo.  —  Division  of  Parish  in  Kittery.  —  Stephen  Minot's  Letter  to  An- 
drew about  Miss  Waldo.  —  William  Tyler's  comical  Letter.  —  Sir  William 
returns  to  America.  —  Horses  brought.  —  Writes  to  Willard  and  Warren.  — 
Proposed  Wedding  of  Andrew,  and  his  Dismission       .       .        .    210-229 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Letter  to  Richard  Waldron;  non-committal.  —  Style  of  Living.  —  Andrew's 
Death.  —  Letter  to  Boston  Ministers.  —  Andrew's  Obituary.  —  Letter  to 
Warren,  and  his  Reply;  to  Kilby;  Colonel  Gorham;  Secretary  Willard; 
Henry  Flint;  to  Governor  Wentworth;  Lady  Warren.  —  Rev.  Jonathan 
Edwards's  Visit.  —  His  Letter  to  Lady  Pepperrell.  —  History  of  the  Stock- 
bridge  Mission.  —  Edwards  removed  to  Princeton  College.  —  Willard's  Let- 
ter; Replj-. —  Letter  to  Colonel  Israel  Williams    ....    230-256 

:  r       ;  CHAPTER  XH. 

Sir  William's  Appearance  and  Dress.  —  Saco  Bridge  built.  —  Indian  Council 
and  Treaty.  —  Fort  built  lit  Duquesne,  and  Collision  with  "Virginia.  — 
Washington  sent  with  Protest.  —  Letter  to  Secretary  Willard  from  Governor 
Shirley,  and  Reply.  —  Indian  Hostilities  in  Maine         .       .        .    257-269 


CHAPTER  Xm. 

Hostilities  commenced.  —  Governor  orders  an  Inspection  of  the  Militia ;  Pcp- 
perrell's  Report.  —  Sir  Thomas  Robinson's  Letter.  —  Lord  Halifax's  Letter. 
—  Sir  William's  Reply,  and  to  Colcraft.  —  To  Governor  Belcher  and  to 
Lord  Halifax.  —  Braddock's  Defeat  and  Death.  —  Johnson  and  Lyman's 
Victory  over  Dieskau.  —  Pepperrell  ordered  to  New  York.  —  Expedition 
against  Niagara  and  Frontinac  ;  Detention  of  Mercer  and  the  Army  at  Os- 
wego. —  French  Neutrals  removed  by  Winslow,  and  their  Dispersion.  — 
Pepperrell  promoted  to  a  Major-General.  —  Sparhawk's  Letters  to  him.  — 
Letter  to  Lord  Halifax.  —  Campaign  of  1756.  —  Loudon,  Commander-in- 
Chief.  —  Offered  the  Command  of  Crown  Point.  —  Loss  of  Oswego.  —  Cool- 


g 


nii'iimrinmaaMii— t 


xU 


TABLE   OF  CONTENTS. 


ness  between  Pepperrell  and  Shirley.  —  Shirley  ordered  Home.  —  Letter  to 
Belcher,  and  Contribution  to  New  Jersey  College. —  Commands  Castlo 
William. —  Governor  Pownall  arrives.  —  Keys  of  Castle  William  presented. 
—  Fruitless  Expedition  against  Louisburg  by  Loudon.  —  Montcalm  re- 
duces Fort  William  Henry.  —  Great  Alarm  in  New  England.  —  Pepperrell 
marches  to  Spi'ingfield ;  his  Letters  and  Return.  —  Abercrombie.  —  Heavy 
Taxes.  —  Pitt  appointed  Minister  of  War 270-309 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Campaign  of  1758. —  Second  Reduction  of  Louisburg.  —  Repulse  of  Aber- 
crombie. —  Bradstreet's  Victory  at  Frontinac.  —  Forbes  and  Washington 
took  possession  of  Pittsburgh.  —  Pepperrell  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Gen- 
eral.  — Health  fulls.  —  Expeditions  for  1759.  —  Capture  and  Defence  of 
Fort  Niagara.  —  Quebec  taken. —  Death  of  Pepperrell;  his  Character  and 
his  Benefactions 810-826 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Revolutionary  War.  —  Sir  William's  Legacies.  —  Estates  lost  by  Confiscation. 
Present  State  of  Cape  Breton  and  Louisburg.  —  Descendants  of  Sir  William 
in  America  and  in  England 826-341 


APPENDIX. 

A.  Abstract  of  Pepperrell's  Will 343 

B.  List  of  Army  Officers  at  Louisburg 847 

C.  Brief  Notices  of  some  Officers  at  Louisburg 349 


ERRATA. 

Page  1,  line  second,  and  page  209,  line  first,  for  Wales  read  Devon. 
16,  line  fourteenth,  fqr  1747  read  1760. 
102,  line  fifth  from  bottom,  for  Massachusetts  Historical  Society,  read  State  House 

liibraty. 
192,  line  tenth  from  top,  for  Nathaniel  read  John  Spariiawk. 


/ 


v-s 


J 


LIFE 


OF 


SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


CHAPTER  I. 


PARBNTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 

The  father  of  Sir  William  Pejiperrell  was  a  native  of 
Ravistoek  Parish,  near  Plymouth,  la  Wales.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-two  he  emigrated  to  the  Isle  of  Shoals, 
and  after  a  residence  there  of  four  or  five  years  he 
removed  to  Kittery  Point,  where  he  resided  the  remain- 
der of  his  days,  which  terminated  in  1734.   ■    = 

It  is  interesting  and  instructive  to  trace  the  rising 
steps  of  the  Pepperrell  family,  from  a  destitute  young 
fisherman  to  the  princely  affluence  and  exalted  stations, 
civil,  political,  and  military,  to  which  the  son  arrived. 
It  sheds  light  upon  the  history  of  the  infant  colonies, 
the  character  of  the  early  settlers,  the  nature  of  their 
occupations,  their  commerce,  the  condition  and  relative 
importance  of  places  of  trade,  and  the  influence  of  the 
times  and  events,  in  forming  the  character  and  shaping 
the  fortunes  of  the  illustrious  subject  of  this  memoir. 


2  LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 

The  name  once  so  celebrated,  has  in  America  long  since 
become  extinct,  and  but  for  its  record  in  the  page  of 
history,  would  ere  this  ha^-e  passed  into  oblivion.  To 
account  for  this  curious  fact,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
give  a  more  extended  notice  of  the  history  of  the  family 
than  would  otherwise  seem  necessary.  The  name  is 
variously  spelt,  not  only  by  historians,  and  by  cor- 
respondents who  had  occasion  to  address  them,  but 
even  by  themselves.  It  is  sometimes  spelt  Pepperel, 
Pepperrel,  Pepperrell,  and  Peprel ;  but  in  official  papers, 
and  in  the  Herald  office,  it  is  spelt  Pepperrell.* 

The  elder  William  Pepperrell  was  apprenticed,  when 
a  boy,  to  the  captain  of  a  fishing  schooner  employed  on 
the  coast  of  New  England,  and  on  the  banks  of  New- 
foundland, and  having  finished  his  term  of  service  he 
earned  a  small  sum,  and  embarked  with  it  for  the  Isle 
of  Shoals,  near  which  he  had  formerly  been  employed 
in  fishing.  His  education  was  very  limited,  his  letters 
from  bad  writing  and  worse  spelling  being  hardly  legi- 
ble. Tradition  says  that  he  spoke  the  broad  Welsh,  as 
Boll  and  WoU  for  Bill  and  Will. 

His  parents  died  early,  leaving  him  and  two  or  three 
sisters  in  destitute  condition.  One  of  the  sisters,  an 
invalid  named  Grace,  lived  to  advanced  age,  unmarried. 
Being  an  invalid  as  well  as  destitute,  she  received 
assistance  from  the  parish,  and  was  buried  at  its  ex- 
pense. AnotJier  sister  married  a  Phillips  and  had 
several  children,  three  of  whom  visited  their  uncle 
William  and  were  employed  in   his  service  as  com- 


*"  William  Pepperrells  bear  for  their  arms,  argent  a  cheveron 
gules  between  three  pine-apples,  slipt  verte.  N.  B.  No  crest  is  to  be 
found  to  the  above-mentioned  arms,  being  an  ancient  coat  before  vests 
were  used."  —  Herald  Office.  ;       -     v         •    -     ;  ?  ^      ;; 


/- 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS.  3 

manders  of  small  coasting  vessels ;  —  two  of  them 
settled  in  Saco  and  are  mentioned  in  the  wills  of  both 
the  William  Pepperrells,  who  left  them  small  legacies. 
Another  sister  married  a  Gilbert,  and  had  children, 
among  whom  was  a  daughter  named  Mary,  who  mar- 
ried a  Nichols.  This  Mary  shared  more  of  her  uncle's 
affections  than  any  other  relative  left  in  his  native  land. 
She  wrote  often  and  apprised  him  of  the  condition  and 
changes  of  his  kindred  and  acquaintances;  and  it  is 
from  the  letters  which  passed  between  them  that  the 
few  facts  relating  to  the  early  Pepperrell  history  have 
been  gleaned. 

At  the  Isle  of  Shoals  the  elder  Pepperrell  united  in 
partnership  with  a  Mr.  Gibbons,  of  Topsham,  England.* 
They  invested  their  little  stock  of  cash  in  fishing-boats 
and  equipments,  and  let  them  to  others  on  shares,  and 


"5 


jveron 

to  be 

\  vests 


*  The  Isles  of  Shoals  lie  nine  miles  southerly  from  Kittery  Point. 
They  were  visited  by  Captain  Smith  in  1614,  and  for  many  years 
went  by  the  name  of  Smith's  Isles.  Their  whole  number  of  acres  is 
about  six  hundred,  and  the  population  varied,  in  the  last  two  cen- 
turies, from  two  to  six  hundred  persons.  In  early  times  they  consti- 
tuted one  township,  called  Appledore,  and  sent  two  representatives 
to  the  General  Court  of  Massachusetts,  when  a  like  number  was  sent 
from  Kittery,  York,  and  Wells.  A  portion  of  the  islands  now  be- 
longs to  New  Hampshire,  and  the  rest  to  Maine.  They  aiford  a  safe 
harbor  to  small  vessels  in  stress  of  weather.  The  inhabitants  were 
formerly  more  engaged  in  fishery  than  at  present,  and  had  many 
stagings  and  flakes  for  drying.  It  is  here  that  the  dun-Ji$h,  so  much 
valued  by  epicures,  and  which  bring  three  times  the  price  of  common 
cod-fish,  are  obtained.  They  are  said  to  be  thicker  than  the  common 
cod,  and  are  caught  and  cured  in  the  winter  season,  and  named  dun 
from  their  color.  The  character  of  the  original  islanders  for  sound 
morals,  industry,  and  intelligence,  has  acquired  for  them  great  respect 
in  the  estimation  of  posterity.  They  supported  an  able  ministry  at 
the  time  of  Mr.  Fepperrell's  residence  there. 


i.; 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


Ill 


'! 


I 


attended  themselves  to  the  curing  of  fish,  on  Star 
Island,  and  to  the  sale  of  them  to  merchants  for 
Southern  and  European  markets.  They  met  with 
good  success  during  three  or  four  years,  when  Gibbons 
removed  to  the  eastward,  and  purchased  a  right  in 
the  Muscongus  or  Waldo  patent,  including  the  present 
county  of  "Waldo. 

While  upon  the  islands,  Pepperrell  had  frequent 
occasion  to  sail  to  Kittery  Point,  for  the  purpose  of 
traffic,  and  for  the  purchase  and  repair  of  boats.  A 
shipwright  there,  named  John  Bray,  supplied  his  wants, 
and  in  the  course  of  their  dealings  welcomed  him  to 
the  hospitalities  of  his  house.  Mr.  Bray  had  arrived  at 
the  Pascataqua,  from  Plymouth,  England,  about  1660, 
bringing  with  him  his  family,  among  whom  was  a  child 
named  Margery,  then  only  a  year  old.  He  purchased 
land  at  the  Point,  where  the  ancient  Pepperrell  mansion 
now  stands,  and  was  engaged  in  ship  and  boatbuild- 
ing during  a  long  life.  Margery  had  arrived  at  the  age 
of  seventeen  when  she  first  saw  Mr.  Pepperrell,  who, 
smitten  with  her  youthful  charms,  was  not  slow  in 
making  his  impressions  known.  He  probably  expected 
to  drive  a  bargain  for  her,  with  her  father,  with  the 
same  facility  that  he  had  often  done  for  a  boat.  But 
her  tender  years  were  offered  as  an  objection  to  the 
match,  though  it  was  conjectured  that  lack  of  the  need- 
ful on  his  part  had  some  influence.  Time,  however, 
served  to  lessen  both  objections ;  she  grew  older,  and  he, 
by  the  first  vessel  he  was  able  to  send  abroad,  added 
much  to  his  property;  consequently,  having  passed 
through  her  teens,  she  obtained  her  father's  willing  con- 
sent to  the  alliance. 

About  the  time  of  their  marriage,  Mr.  Pepperrell 
changed  his  residence  from  the  Shoals  to  Kittery  Point, 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


i 


ver, 
he, 
ded 
ssed 
con- 


where  Mr.  Bray  gave  him  the  site  of  the  present  Pep- 
perrell  mansion.  The  south  part  of  this  structure  was 
built  by  the  elder  Pepperrell,  and  the  north  part  by  Sir 
William.  It  has  recently  been  curtailed  in  its  dimen- 
sions, by  the  removal  of  ten  feet  from  each  end  of  the 
building.  Here  was  the  birthplace  of  Sir  William, 
and  here  dwelt  the  two  families,  till  the  father's  decease 
in  1734,  which  left  the  son's  family  sole  occupants  till 
1759.  It  was  in  this  period,  of  little  more  than  half  a 
century,  that  the  largest  fortune,  then  known  in  New 
England,  was  gradually  accumulated.  It  was,  however, 
increased  by  a  legacy  left  to  Mr.  Pepperrell  by  his 
father-in-law,  beside  an  estate  in  Plymouth,  which  also 
descended  from  Mr.  Bray  to  IVIrs.  Pepperrell,  and  from 
her  to  her  son  (Sir)  William. 

The  Pascataqua,  which  enters  the  ocean  at  Kittery 
Point,  extends  northerly,  forty  miles,  to  Wakefield,  and 
is  the  boundary  between  Maine  and  New  Hampshire. 
The  territory  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  from  the 
Point  to  Lebanon,  was  called  Pascataqua,  and  was 
changed  to  Kittery,  which  then  included  the  present 
towns  of  Kittery  and  Elliot,  and  the  Berwicks.  Ber- 
wick  was  separately  incorporated  in  1723,  and  Elliot  in 
1810.  There  were  local  names  given  to  districts  along 
the  shore,  prior  to  any  act  of  incorporation,  as  Kittery 
Point  or  Champernoon;  Sturgeon  Oreeky  some  eight  or 
ten  miles  north ;  and  Newichewannock  at  the  head  of 
tide-water  in  South  Berwick,  including  Great-works 
Falls.  Above  this  was  Quampegan^  then  Salmon  Falls, 
and  Tow-wow,  or  Lebanon.  Opposite  to  Kittery  Point, 
and  near  the  New  Hampshire  shore,  is  Newcastle,  an 
island,  which,  during  the  first  century  after  the  settle- 
ment, was  the  principal  seat  of  commerce,  especially  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  was  fortified  at  an  early  period. 


6 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


Two  miles  north  of  it  was  Strawberry  Bank,  now 
Portsmouth,  which,  as  the  savages  disappeared  and  the 
country  was  settled,  became  a  more  convenient  place 
of  trade,  and  gradually  absorbed  most  of  that  which 
had  belonged  to  Newcastle.  Near  the  south-west  line 
of  Portsmouth,  a  cove  makes  in  and  forms  Little 
Harbor i  where  the  first  emigrants  pitched  their  tents 
and  commenced  fishing.  v- 

When  Captain  Smith  arrived  at  Pascataqua,  in  1614, 
there  was  a  large  Indian  population,  on  both  its  shores, 
called  Newichewannocks,  whose  sachem  resided  at 
Quampegan,  (now  South  Berwick).  Soon  after  a  pes- 
tilential disease  swept  off  a  large  portion  of  his  tribe, 
and  opened  a  space  for  English  settlers. 

The  first  house  erected  was  by  Thompson  at  Little 
Harbor,  in  1623,  and  probably  the  next  settlement  was 
at  South  Berwick,  where  mills  were  erected  in  1624, 
and  immediately  after,  followed  the  settlements  of  New- 
castle, Portsmouth,  Kittery  Point,  Dover,  Sturgeon 
Creek,  and  Exeter.  Between  all  these  places  there  was 
constant  intercourse,  and  "  some  political  connection." 
The  proprietors  of  the  soil,  Gorges  and  Masdn,  em- 
ployed as  agent,  on  the  Kitcery  side,  Walter  Neal,  who 
dwelt  part  of  the  time  at  the  Point.  He  had  five  asso- 
ciates in  the  various  branches  of  trade,  but  until  1636 
the  fur  trade,  fishing,  and  lumbering,  were  the  chief  em- 
ployments of  the  first  settlers.  About  this  time,  a  large 
number  of  families,  some  of  them  farmers,  were  sent 
by  Gorges  and  Mason,  and  with  them  ample  supplies 
■of  stock,  provisions,  and  agricultural  implements. 

The  number  of  mills  increased  on  the  small  rivers, 
and  lumber  and  ship-timber  soon  floated  down  in  gon- 
dolas, to  Kittery  Point  and  Newcastle,  and  were 
shipped  to  various  ports,  European    and   American. 


/ 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


But  the  most  lucrative,  extensive,  and  durable  business 
was  the  fisheries.  It  required  small  outfit,  rarely  failed 
of  a  good  return,  and  a  ready  sale  in  American  and 
foreign  ports,  or  a  profitable  exchange  at  the  South,  for 
corn,  tobacco,  and  naval  stores  ;  in  the  West  Indies, 
for  tropical  produce ;  and  in  England,  Spain,  and  Portu- 
gal, for  dry  goods,  sails,  cordage,  wines,  and  fruit. 

Although  civil  dissensions  and  political  changes 
occurred  to  impede  the  general  prosperity,  yet  popula- 
tion and  wealth  gradually  increased,  until  the  disas- 
trous war  of  King  Philip,  in  1675,  which  lasted  three 
years,  and  was  attended  with  savage  murders  and  con- 
flagrations,' and  a  suspension  of  trade  and  of  agricul- 
ture. Mr.  Bray,  father-in-law  of  the  elder  Pepperrell, 
arrived  at  Kittery  Point  some  fifteen  years  before  this 
war,  and  at  the  close  of  it,  had  suffered  less  than  those 
engaged  in  other  occupations.  Fishing- vessels  and 
boats  were  indispensable,  and  yielded  to  shipwrights 
and  owners  a  good  profit.  At  the  return  of  peace, 
therefore,  Mr.  Bray  was  able  to  extend  his  business 
upon  a  large  and  lucrative  scale. 

Ship-building  was  an  early,  and  in  time  a  very  exten- 
sive branch  of  industry,  on  the  Pascataqua  and  its 
tributary  streams.  Foreign  merchants  could  supply 
themselves  with  vessels  at  a  lower  price  than  elsewhere. 
The  Pepperrells  built  and  sent  many  to  the  West  India 
islands,  laden  with  lumber,  fish,  oil,  and  live  stock,  to 
exchange  for  cargoes  of  West  India  produce  for  home 
consumption ;  others  to  European  markets,  to  exchange 
for  dry  goods,  wine,  and  salt,  or  to  sell  both  vessel  and 
cargo.  They  also  traded  extensively  in  Southern  colo- 
nial ports,  exchanging  cargoes  of  fish  and  West  India 
goods  for  provisions  and  naval  stores.  But  a  muqh 
larger  amount  of  business  was  done  in  the  fisheries. 


8 


\ 

LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


I 


They  sometimes  had  more  than  a  hundred  small 
vessels  at  a  time  on  the  Grand  Banks,  part  of  which 
they  manned  themselves,  but  more  of  them  were  let  on 
shares.  They  also  extended  their  business  to  other 
rivers.  The  following  letter,  written  by  the  elder  Pep- 
perrell,  in  the  year  in  which  Sir  William  was  born, 
illustrates  the  times.  It  was  addressed  to  Captain 
John  Hill,  who  commanded  Fort  Mary,  at  Saco,  and 
acted  as  Pepperrell's  agent. 

Kittery  Point,  November  12, 1696. 
Captain  Hill, 

Sir,  —  With  much  trouble  I  have  gotten  men  and 
sent  for  the  sloop,  and  desire  you  to  despatch  them  with 
all  speed,  for,  if  all  things  be  ready,  they  may  be  fitted 
to  leave  in  two  days  as  well  as  in  seven  years.  If  you 
and  the  carpenter  think  it  convenient,  and  the  ground 
has  not  too  much  descent,  I  think  it  may  be  safer  and 
better  to  bend  her  sails  before  3'^ou  launch  her,  so  as  to 
leave  immediately.  But  I  shall  leave  it  to  your  man- 
agement, and  desire  you  to  hasten  them  day  and  night ; 
for.  Sir,  it  will  be  dangerous  tarrying  there,  on  account 
of  hostile  savages  in  the  vicinity,  and  it  will  be  very 
expensive  to  keep  the  men  upon  pay.  I  send  you  a 
barrel  of  rum,  and  there  is  a  cask  of  wine  to  launch 
with,  (doubtless  intended  to  treat  female  spectators). 
So  with  my  services  to  yourself  and  lady,  hoping  they 
are  all  in  good  health,  as  I  am  at  present,  who  are  your 
humble  servant  at  command, 

William  Pepperrell. 


The  launching  of  vessels  was,  in  those  days,  attended 
by  all  persons  of  both  sexes  living  in  the  vicinity,  who 
expected  an  ample  supply  of  good  cheer, — rum  for  the 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


9 


men,  and  wine  for  the  fairer  sex.  A  barrel  of  each  was 
the  allowance  on  this  occasion.  The  bottle  was  attrac- 
tive and  probably  indispensable  in  all  gatherings  for 
mutual  aid,  whether  log-rolling,  corn-husking,  rafting  of 
timber,  or  raising  of  houses,  and  a  militia  company 
could  drill  only  under  the  excitement  of  a  treat  from 
the  captain.  Even  at  ordinations  the  reverend  divines 
must  have  a  glass  to  quicken  the  fervor  of  their  devo- 
tions. In  a  bill  of  expenses  incurred  on  such  an  occa- 
sion, in  the  vicinity  of  Kittery  Point,  there  are  charged 
eight  quarts  of  rum  and  two  of  brandy,  for  the  clergy 
and  council.  And  still  worse,  funerals  were  made  an 
occasion  for  circulating  the  intoxicating  cup,  where  the 
sighs  and  tears  of  sympathizing  friends  were  awakened 
by  the  customary  beverage,  spiced  rum.  We  have 
before  us  several  bills  for  funeral  expenses,  incurred  in 
the  early  part  of  the  last  century,  in  which  this  is  men- 
tioned. One  of  them  specifies  the  ingredients  thus :. 
"  Five  gallons  of  rum,  ten  pounds  of  sugar,  and  half  a 
pound  of  allspice,  to  make  spiced  rum."  With  such  a 
network  of  temptations  spread  over  society,  it  is  won- 
derful that  any  escaped  —  that  all  were  not  rendered 
confirmed  inebriates ;  but  the  Pepperrells,  it  is  believed, 
always  remained  temperate. 

The  settlements  on  the  Pascataqua  River  and  its 
branches,  were  formed  into  distinct  governments,  so 
that  in  1641  there  existed  four  little  republics,  Ports- 
mouth, Dover,  Exeter,  and  Pascataqua.  But  the  three 
former  were  this  year  united  to  Massachusetts,  and  in 
1652,  the  latter,  which  belonged  to  Maine,  and  had' 
been  incorporated,  in  1647,  as  Kittery,  was  also  added 
to  that  State,  and  in  a  short  time  the  other  settlements 
of  Maine  came  under  the  Massachusetts  government. 
With  the  exception  of  two  or  three  years  interruption. 


; 


'  i' 


,1 


I 


'it 
1 


10 


LIFE   OP   Sill   WILLIAM  PEPPERKELL. 


under  the  adminbtration  of  Aiidros,  the  province  of 
Maine  continued  a  constituent  part  of  Massachusetts 
for  more  than  a  century,  until  it  was  finally  erected  into 
an  independent  State. 

Kittery,  which  included  the  prcsnit  towns  of  Kitci  ry, 
Elliot,  and  the  Berwicks,  grew  faster  than  any  other 
town  in  Maine.  The  Point  was  accessible  by  water 
and  convenient  for  ship-building,  both  as  respects 
security  against  savage  depredations,  and  facility  for 
obtaining  timber,  by  water,  from  the  iiiterior,  and 
rigging  and  stores  from  Boston.  In  addition  to  this, 
sessions  of  the  Supreme  Court  met  here  many  years. 
In  1646  the  town  paid  nearly  one  half  of  the  amouiii 
of  a  tax  assessed  on  the  whole  province  of  Maine." 

In  1671,  the  militia  of  the  province  amounted  to 
700,  of  whom  180  belonged  to  Kittery,  80  to  York,  100 
to  Wells,  and  80  to  Saco.f 


*The  following  list  of  county  rates,  for  the  years  1G62,  1688,  and 
1 734,  shows  the  comparative  valuation  of  several  towns,  and  their 
relative  increase  in  that  iiiue. 


te 

1688. 

1784. 

Kittery, 

idk  ' 

16/. 

17/. 

York, 

f 

« 

9 

Wells, 

4 

-..     C    , 

5 

Saco, 

r 

4 

10 

f  Fortifications  on  the  Pascataqua  were  begun  by  the  original  pro- 
prietors, who  sent  over  several  cannon  which  their  agents  placed  on 
the  north-east  point  of  Newcastle,  at  the  north  of  the  great  harbor, 
and  called  Fort  Point.  They  laid  out  the  g -iuiid  abov.t  a  bow-shot 
from  the  water-side  to  a  Llj^b  rock  on  which  it  was  i'ii'.>n  ]ed,  in  tv  u, 
to  build  a  principal  fort  In  1666,  it  was  dc  '' '  u  by  commissioners 
to  build  a  fort  on  the  east  side  of  Great  Island,  where  the  former 
one  was  built,  and  which  was  to  inclose  the  great  rock  and  all  the 
easterly  part  of  the  island.  The  customs  and  imports  on  goods  im- 
ported into  tb\!  harbor  were  to  be  applied  to  the  maintenance  of  the 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


11 


The  elder  Pepperrell  was,  like  all  the  early  settlers 
about  the  PascutiKiua,  trained  to  the  use  of  fire-arms 
and  to  military  cxurcisea.  His  military  services  during 
his  first  few  years,  w<Te  perU)r'ned  at  the  fort  on  Great 
Island,  or  Newcastle.  \  j^arrl^  on  house  was,  '  nvever, 
previously  erected  and  maintain'^d  at  the  Poinf  Menr 
his  house,  to  which  families  might  n  ort  when  tii  ^at- 
ened  by  sudden  assaults  from  Indians  •  and  as  earl^  as 
1700  a  fort  was  erected  which  w'-iit  by  his  name.  The 
celebrated  warrior,  Col.  Church,  i  his  eastern  expedi- 
tion, in  1704,  with  550  men,  had  orders  "  to  send  his 
sick  and  wounded  to  Casco,  now  Portland,  or  to  Pep- 
perrell's  Fort  at  Kittery  Point,"  (K  Uiamson).  This 
fort  was  probably  a  private  concern,  or  w  ^  most  built  at 
village  expense.  But  in  1714  the  provi  ice  of  Massa- 
chusetts, in  order  to  prevent  the  levyini  of  improper 
duties  by  New  Hampshire,  made  Kittery  Point  a  port 
of  entry  and  adopted  measures  to  retaiji  it  is  such.  A 
breastwork  was  erected  northerly  of  the  Pt  'nt,  a  plat- 
form laid  for  six  guns,  a  naval  officer  and  no  ary-public 
appointed,  and  all  sea-captains  and  persons  i  rading  at 
the  river  were  required  to  pay  imposts,  powder-money, 
and  other  duties,  according  to  law.  Peppe  rell  had 
command  of  this  fort,  which  gave  him  the  rank  of 
captain.  He  also  commanded  the  company  of  militia 
at  the  Point,  and  finally  rose  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant- 
colonel. 

Soon  after  the  annexation  of  York  county  to  Massa- 


V 


fort,  and  the  trainbands  of  Great  Island  and  Kittery  Point  were  dis- 
charged from  all  other  duty,  to  attend  to  the  service  of  it  under 
Richard  Cults,  who  was  appointed  captain.  It  was  voted  in  town 
neeting,  in  June,  "  that  every  dweller  and  liver  in  this  town,  over 
sixteen  years  of  age,  shall  work  at  the  fort  one  whole  week." 


12 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


.I'T 


chusetts,  in  1652,  courts  were  established,  which  were 
held  at  Wells,  York,  and  Kittery  Point.  There  was  a 
Supreme  Court  which  made  part  of  the  Massachusetts 
circuit,  and  an  inferior  court  called  the  Court  of  Com- 
mon Pleas,  held  in  each  county  by  local  judges. 
Beside  these  there  were  justice  courts,  all  nearly  as  at 
the  present  day.  Mr.  Pepperrell  held  the  office  of 
justice  of  the  peace  from  1690  to  1725.  His  trial- 
d^  ^ket  is  still  preserved,  and  exhibits  the  modes  of 
puiiishing  slight  offences,  —  the  whipping-post  being  in 
frequent  requisition,  which  gradually  yielded  to  fines 
and  imprisonment.  In  1715,  John  Wheelwright  of 
Wells,  William  Pepperrell  of  Kittery,  Charles  Frost  of 
Kittery,  and  Abraham  Preble  of  York,  were  appointed 
Judges  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  Mr.  Pepper- 
rell continued  on  the  bench  rhany  years,  and  his  son 
(Sir)  William,  while  a  minor,  served  as  clerk  of  the 
court. 

The  elder  Col.  Pepperrell  educated  his  children,  con- 
sisting of  two  sons  and  six  daughters,  in  the  best  man- 
ner the  time  and  place  permitted.  They  were  all 
taught  reading,  writing,  and  arithmetic,  and  their 
chirography  was  very  fair.  Beyond  this,  very  little  was 
attempted.  An  English  grammar  is  still  in  being 
which  belonged  to  the  family,  but  in  which  they 
probably  made  very  little  proficiency.  They  no  doubt 
were  assisted  in  the  higher  departments  of  their  educa- 
tion by  the  Rev.  John  Newmarch,  a  near  neighbor  as 
well  as  pastor,  and  a  graduate  of  Harvard.  The 
daughters,  like  most  of  their  neighbors,  were  well 
trained  in  domestic  duties,  but  had  little  opportunity  for 
mingling  in  polished  society.  Several  of  them  married 
sea-captains  who  commanded  their  father's  vessels. 
They  derived  from  their  father  a  fondness  for  trade. 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


13 


and  often  sent  ventures  to  Europe  and  the  "West  Indies 
in  his  ships,  such  as  fish  and  furs,  to  exchange  for  fruits 
and  fine  dresses.  Several  of  them  were  part  owners  of 
small  vessels,  bills  of  sale  of  which  are  still  preserved. 
Nor  does  it  appear  strange  that,  secluded  as  they  were 
from  more  appropriate  female  enterprises  and  em- 
ployments, they  should  imbibe  some  of  the  peculiar 
tastes  of  their  father,  and  find  him  ready  to  gratify 
them. 

The  religious  training  of  the  Bray  and  Pepperrell 
families  was  faithful  and  successful.  Margery,  after- 
wards Mrs.  Pepperrell,  and  mother  of  Sir  William, 
evinced  early  piety.  Her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bray, 
were  "  induced  to  leave  England  for  the  free  enjoyment 
of  their  religious  opinions."  Beside  the  regular  wor- 
ship at  Portsmouth,  they  were  favored  with  occasional 
preaching  from  the  Isle  of  Shoals,  and  by  Mr.  Dummer 
of  York,  soon  after  their  arrival  in  1660,  and  there 
was  a  settled  minister  at  Newcastle. 

As  early  as  1699  the  Rev.  John  Newmarch  was  em- 
ployed at  Kittery  Point,  by  the  year,  and  was 
allowed  a  parsonage.     A  church  was  organized,    ^'i^'/' 
consisting  of  eighteen   males  and  twenty-five 
females.     The  elder  Pepperrell  and  wife  headed  the  list 
of  communicants  after  the  minister,  and  several  of  their 
daughters,  with  their  husbands,  were   members.     Mr.. 
Greenleaf,  in  his  history  of  churches  in  Maine,  mistakes 
in  saying  that   Sir  William  was  one  of  the   original 
members.     He  was  only  eighteen  years  of  age  when 
the  church  was  organized.     His  father  was  the  founder 
and  main  pillar  of  the  church  and  society,  and  in  his 
will  left  a  respectable  legacy  to  the  poor  of  the  parish. 
But  Sir  William  was  not  admitted  to  membership  till 
1734.     Mr.  Newmarch  continued  sole  pastor  till  1751,. 

2 


>i\ii!\imu--<i'j 


14 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


! 


lii; 


and  died  three  years  after.  Mr.  Benjamin  Stevens  was 
ordained  his  colleague  in  1751,  and  after  three  years, 
his  successor.  He  continued  in  the  ministry  till  his 
death  in  1791,  when  the  church  had  dwindled  down  to 
a  very  small  number,  and  soon  after  was  nearly  extin- 
guished. 

It  is  apparent,  then,  that  the  means  for  religious 
instruction  and  nurture,  enjoyed  by  the  Pepperrell 
family,  were  very  favorable,  and  there  is  reason  to  infer 
that  they  were  duly  improved,  since  most  of  the  chil- 
dren, sooner  or  later,  became  exemplary  professing 
Christians. 

The  elder  Pepperrell  ever  retained  a  strong  attach- 
ment to  his  father-land,  and  seemed  to  anticipate  the 
pleasure  of  returning  to  it,  after  he  should  have 
acquired  an  independent  fortune.  But  the  machinery 
necessary  for  doing  this,  when  once  in  motion,  was  too 
extensive  andf^  complex  to  permit  of  his  removal  or 
even  temporary  absence  without  great  sacrifice  ;  it 
required  his  constant  superintendence.  It  appears, 
however,  that  in  early  life  he  made  one  voyage  to 
Rotterdam.  At  the  age  of  sixty,  he  wrote  to  his  friend 
Mr.  Roe,  merchant  in  Ravistock,  Wales,  to  purchase 
him  an  estate  near  him.  One  was  named  to  him  soon 
after,  but  reverses  of  fortune  by  shipwrecks,  and  the 
capture  of  many  of  his  fishing  vessels,  had  intervened, 
and  drew  from  him  the  following  reply.  "  You  wrote 
me  that  the  Colson  estate  was  for  sale,  but  I  have  met 
with  so  many  losses  of  late,  that  the  sum  asked  is 
more  than  I  can  raise,  but  if  I  could  purchase  one 
worth  four  thousand  pounds,  I  would  soon  pay  for  it. 
The  times  have  been  such  that  I  have  lost  more  than 
three  thousand  pounds.  If  it  be  possible,  I  hope  to 
come  and  see  you  once  more  before  I  die.     I  pray  you, 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


15 


'V  ,  "LX. 


remember  my  love  to  all  my  friends  in  general,  wishing 
you  all  happiness."  He  writes  again  some  years  after, 
and  repeats  his  desire  to  purchase  an  estate,  intending 
it  rather  for  his  son  William  and  daughter  Doro- 
thy, than  for  his  own  occupancy.  Mr.  Roe  writes, 
in  1723,  "  I  am  very  glad  to  hear  your  son  William 
and  daughter  Dorothy  have  a  mind  to  settle  in 
our  country,  but  I  cannot  think  of  an  estate  near  the 
seaside  at  present ;  but  if  you  have  a  mind  to  one 
seven  or  eight  miles  from  me,  in  Dugburrow  parish, 
worth  fifty  to  sixty  pounds  a  year,  you  can  have  it." 
It  does  not  appear,  however,  that  either  of  the  Pepper- 
rells,  excepting  Captain  Andrew,  ever  visited  England, 
until  1747,  when  Sir  William  entered  London,  and 
was,  by  both  king  and  people,  greeted  as  the  hero  of 
Louisbourg. 

Colonel  Pepperrell,  as  before  observed,  reared  a 
family  of  two  sons  and  six  daughters.  Grave  histo- 
rians mention  only  one  son  (Sir  William)  and  two 
daughters,  who  married  Hon.  John  Frost,  and  Hon. 
John  Newraarch.  A  want  of  accurate  information 
respecting  his  family  is  attributable  to  the  remote  situa- 
tion of  the  parish  records.  The  village  in  which  he 
lived,  though  a  place  comparatively  of  great  note  and 
extensive  trade  in  his  day,  sank  into  obscurity  soon 
after  the  Revolution,  and  became  the  residence,  chiefly, 
of  a  few  fishermen,  who  even  occupied  his  own  former 
stately  mansion.  In  addition  to  this.  Sir  William  died 
at  the  close  of  the  French  War  in  1759,  and  the  Revo- 
lutionary war  which  ensued  soon  after,  engrossed  public 
attention,  to  the  exclusion  of  preceding  scenes  and 
events,  in  which  the  Pepperrells  were  engaged.  Hence 
the  traces  of  their  family  ties  and  relationships  were 
nearly  effaced   from  memory.     The   name,  moreover, 


MMM 


16 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


I 


il! 


becoming  extinct,  is  almost  forgotten  even  by  some  in 
whose  veins  the  Pepperrell  blood  circulates. 

The  parish  records  show  that  he  had  the  following 
children,  all  of  whom  arrived  at  maturity,  and  were 
married,  namely,  1.  Andrew ;  2.  Mary ;  3.  Margery ;  4. 
Joanna;  5.  Miriam;  6.  William  (the  Baronet);  7. 
Dorothy;  8.  Jane. 

1.  Andrew  was  born  July  1,  1681 ;  was  employed 
as  clerk  in  his  father's  store ;  joined  him  as  partner 
under  the  firm  of  William  Pepperrell  &  Son;  was 
supercargo  and  captain  of  a  merchantman ;  resided  at 
Newcastle,  and  was  agent  for  mercantile  houses  abroad. 
He  married  Jane,  daughter  of  Robert  Elliot,  Esq.,  in 
1707,  who  bore  him  two  v  *ldren,  Sarah,  who  married 
Charles  Frost,  and  Margery,  who  married  William 
Wentworth.  Andrew  Pepperrell  died  about  1713,  was 
buried  at  Newcastle.  His  widow  married  Charles 
Frost  of  Kittery. 

2.  Mary^  born  September  5, 1685,  married  Hon.  John 
Frost,  and  had  sixteen  children,  eleven  of  whom 
reached  maturity.  Her  second  husband  was  Rev.  Ben- 
jamin Colman,  D.  D.,  and  her  third,  Rev.  Benjamin 
Prescott,  of  Danvers,  Mass.  She  died  1766,  aged 
eighty. 

3.  Margery^  born  1689,  married  Peletiah  Whitemore, 
and  had  four  children.  He  was  lost  near  the  Isle  of 
Shoals.  Her  second  husband  was  Elihu  Gunnison, 
Judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  who  resided  at 
Kittery  Point. 

4.  Joanna^  born  June  22,  1692,  married  Dr.  George 
Jackson  ;  had  six  daughters,  and  died  1725. 

■  5.  Miriam^  born  September  3,  1694,  married  Andrew 
Tyler,  merchant  in  Boston,  and  had  two  sons  and  three 
daughters. 


^1 


/■ 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


17 


6.  Wi/Ham  (the  Baronet),  the  subject  of  this  memoir. 

7.  Dorothy^  born  July  23,  1698,  married  Andrew 
Watkins,  who  commanded  one  of  Pepperrell's  vessels. 
She  had  two  sons,  Andrew  and  John.  Her  second 
husband  was  Hon.  Joseph  Newmarch. 

8.  Jane^  born  1701,  married  Benjamin  Clark  of  Kings- 
ton, N.  H.,  and  after  his  decease,  1729,  she  married 
Willirm  Tyler,  brother  of  Andrew,  of  Boston.  She 
had  two  children  by  Clark,  named  William  and  Ben- 
jamin. 

The  elder  Pepperrell  lived  to  see  his  son  William 
advanced  to  the  highest  stations  in  the  gift  of  the  pro- 
vincial government  or  of  the  people.  As  he  approached 
the  term  of  fourscore,  the  infirmities  of  age  weighed 
heavily  upon  him,  and  finally  terminated  his  useful  and 
exemplary  life  on  the  15th  of  February,  173f.  His 
widow  survived  him  until  April  24,  1741. 

In  his  will  he  left  his  daughters  five  hundred  pounds 
each,  in  addition  to  their  marriage  portions  and  occa- 
sional advancements,  and  one  half  of  the  household 
furniture  on  the  decease  of  their  mother.  To  his  son 
William  he  left  the  residue  of  his  estate.  To  the 
church  at  Kittery  Point,  sixty  pounds  to  buy  a  service 
of  plate  for  the  communion  table ;  sixty  pounds  to  the 
parish  to  buy  corn  for  the  poor,  and  fifty  in  money ; 
thirty  pounds  to  his  nieces  in  Ravestock,  and  five 
pounds  to  the  poor  of  the  church  there ;  to  his  mulatto 
servant  his  freedom;  to  Colonels  Wheelwright  and 
Gerrish,  five  pounds  each,  and  Rev.  John  Newmarch 
ten  pounds. 

Letters  of  condolence  from  Col.  Waldo,  and  others, 
were  written  to  his  son  William,  after  the  decease  of 
his  father.  A  few  extracts  from  one,  by  Governor 
Belcher,  so  effaced  as  to  be  hardly  legible,  show  the 

3* 


18 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


%  1 

I  :  !il  i 


i| 


i 


in! 


'! 
iillj! 


Jiii 


kind  feelings  cherished  by  him  for  both  of  the  Pepper- 
rells. 

Boston,  March  11,  173}. 

My  much  beloved  Friend,  —  I  have  received  the 
token  of  respect  to  Mrs.  Belcher  and  myself,  with  your 
sorrowful  favor  of  the  1st  instant,  on  the  melancholy 
occasion  of  the  death  of  my  late  worthy  old  friend, 
your  father. 

I  heartily  condole  with  your  honored  mother,  your- 
self, and  all  the  good  family,  who  have  lost  a  tender 
head  and  father.     God  had  blessed  him  with  a  large 

share  of  prudence  and  understanding The 

blessing  of  the  God  of  Jacob  always  rest  upon  you 
and  yours,  and  may  you  greatly  honor  yourself  in  being 

(under  God)  the  stay  of  your  honored  mother 

Sir,  I  have  exceeded  on  this  head,  since  every  one 
•knows  that  Madam  Pepperrell  is  blessed  in  a  dutiful 
son.  I  wish  much  peace  and  love  among  the  whole 
family;  and  am,  honored  Sir, 

Your  assured  friend  and  humble  servant, 

Jonathan  Belcher. 

Madam  Pepperrell  survived  her  consort  seven  years. 
The  following  notice  of  her  death,  and  brief  respectful 
tribute  to  her  character,  is  contained  in  the  Boston  Post- 
Boy: —  ' 

«  Kittery,  April  30, 1741.  Last  Friday  (after  a  short 
illness)  departed  this  life,  and  this  day  was  decently 
interred.  Madam  Margery  Pepperrell,  of  this  place,  in 
the  eighty-first  year  of  her  age.  She  was  born  at  Ply- 
mouth, in  Old  England,  came  hither  with  her  parents 
in  infancy,  who  left  their  native  country  for  the  free 
enjoyment  of  their  religious  principles. 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


19 


"  She  was,  through  the  whole  course  of  her  life,  very 
exemplary  for  unaffected  piety  and  amiable  virtues, 
especially  her  charity,  her  courteous  affability,  her 
prudence,  meekness,  patience,  and  her  unweariednesa 
in  well-doing.  As  it  pleased  God  to  afford  her  worldly 
advantages,  and  a  large  capacity  for  doing  good,  so  she 
improved  them  to  the  honor  of  God  and  the  service  of 
her  generation;  being  charitable  without  ostentation, 
and  making  it  her  constant  rule  to  do  good  to  all  as 
she  had  opportunity.  She  was  not  only  a  loving  and 
discreet  wife,  and  tender  parent,  but  a  sincere  friend  to 
all  her  acquaintance. 

"  She  hath  left  behind  her  one  son  and  five  daughters, 
and  many  grandchildren,  who  rise  vp  and  call  her 
blessed.  She  was  justly  esteemed  while  living,  and  at 
death  as  much  regretted.  As  she  lived  a  life  of  faith 
and  constant  obedience  to  the  gospel,  so  she  died  wit'i 
great  inward  peace  and  comfort,  and  the  most  cheerful 
resignation  to  the  will  of  God. 

"  The  work  of  righteousness  shall  be  peace,  and 
the  effect  of  righteousness  quietness  and  assurance  for 


ever. 


» 


20 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


CHAPTER  II. 


!!!l^i; 


William  Pepperrell,  Junior,  Sir  William,  was  born 
June  27,  1696.  His  boyhood  was  passed  at  the  village 
school,  where  he  learned  to  read,  write,  and  cypher. 
Under  a  private  instructor,  he  was  taught  the  art  of 
surveying  land,  and  of  navigating  a  ship,  and  acquired 
some  knowledge  of  geography.  His  early  manuscript 
letters  evince  ignorance  of  the  rudiments  of  English 
grammar.  His  chirography  was  beautiful,  which  ren- 
dered him  very  useful  to  his  father.  When  not  more 
than  ten  years  old,  he  assisted  in  writing  his  father's 
justice  docket,  in  copying  his  letters,  and  keeping  his 
accounts,  and  probably,  soon  after,  acted  as  clerk  in  his 
store.  This  brought  him  into  immediate  contact  with 
those  who  traded  with  his  father,  including  nearly  all 
the  persons  settled  on  the  banks  of  the  Pascataqua  and 
its  tributaries.  His  education  was,  therefore,  exclu- 
sively practical,  and  imparted  early  and  clear  insight 
into  human  character,  and  into  the  ways  and  means  of 
successful  trade  and  financiering. 

Cradled  amid  the  dangers  of  savage  warfare,  and 
while  the  lurking  foe  was  prowling  about  the  very 
neighborhood,  and  ever  and  anon  lighting  upon  unsus- 
pecting victims,  his  young  mind  must  have  become 
familiarized  to  tales  of  horror.  While  nestling  in  his 
mother's  arms,  we  may  well  imagine  him  often  listen- 
ing to  the  recital  of  what  she  had  seen  and  heard  of 
exciting  incidents  and  dire  alarms  in  her  day,  —  how 
her  neighbor  and  intimate  friend.  Major  Charles  Frost, 


I ! !  I!!  il 


/■ 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


21 


was  waylaid  and  shot  while  returning  from  church,  — 
how  her  neighbor,  Mr.  Shapleigh,  was  kil'-  K  his  son 
taken  captive,  his  fingers  bitten  off,  and  thv.  bleeding 
vessels  seared  with  a  hot  iron,  —  how  her  intimate 
friend,  Mrs.  Ursula  Cutts,  after  spreading  her  hospitable 
board  for  the  Waldron  family,  and  while  awaiting  their 
arrival  to  dinner,  was  pounced  upon  by  lurking  savages, 
and  herself  and  field  laborers  tomahawked  and  scalped, 

—  how  twenty-one  persons  were  killed  or  taken  captive 
at  Sandy  Beach,  (Rye,)  only  three  or  four  miles  distant, 

—  how  mother  party  came  there  and  killed  fourteen 
and  captured  four  others,  and  burnt  the  village,  —  and 
how  numerous  massacres  and  savage  cruelties  were 
perpetrated  only  a  few  miles  distant,  at  Cocheco, 
Oyster  River,  and  Salmon  Falls. 

Such  were  some  of  the  scenes  and  events  that  trans- 
pired in  the  vicinity  of  Kittery  Point.  The  Indian  war 
was  raging  when  Pepperrell  was  born,  and  continued 
three  years.  After  four  years  suspension  it  was 
renewed,  and  lasted  till  1713,  making  thirteen  years 
of  hostilities  during  the  first  seventeen  of  his  life,  and 
during  the  last  ten  of  them,  the  war  raged  from  Port- 
land to  the  Pascataqua,  destroying  nearly  all  the  settle- 
ments, excepting  a  garrison  or  two,  and  even  in  Kittery 
and  its  vicinity  were  a  large  number  of  murders,  many 
of  them  among  the  friends  and  acquaintances  of  the 
Pepperrell  family.  Such  a  training  must  have  awa- 
kened in  his  impressible  mind  a  desire  for  revenge,  and 
for  deeds  of  heroism.  Nor  were  there  wanting  other 
incentives  calculated  to  foster  a  martial  spirit.  He 
was,  in  youth,  a  frequent  spectator  of  military  parades 
and  exercises  in  his  father's  company  drills,  and  of  the 
exercise  of  cannon  at  the  Fort,  and  at  Great  Island,  all 
which  had  their  influence;  —  even  worshipping  assem- 


/ 


22 


LIFE  OP  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


\m 


if! 
lillilii 


i!i 


blies  had  sentinels  posted  around,  and  those  within 
were  wont  to  pray  with  their  hands  resting  on  their  fire- 
locks, and  public  safety  required  that  every  man  should 
be  a  soldier.  No  wonder,  then,  that  young  Pepperrell 
was  imbued  with  a  military  spirit  at  an  early  age.  At 
sixteen  he  bore  arms  in  patrol  duty,  and  in  keeping 
ward  and  watch. 

On  the  death  of  his  only  brother  Andrew,  the  firm 
was  changed  from  William  Pepperrell  &  Son,  to  Wil- 
liam Pepperrells,  which  continued  more  than  a  quarter 
of  a  century,  until  his  father's  death.  The  occupation 
of  the  firm  was  not  that  of  a  fancy  goods  shop.  They 
dealt  in  lumber,  naval  stores,  fish,  and  provisions,  which 
required  strong  muscular  exercise,  and  doubl't  ss  tended 
to  give  William  his  robust  frame.  His  juvenile  exer- 
cise was  probably  mostly  aquatic,  as  nearly  all  inter- 
course with  other  places,  whether  for  business  or 
pleasure,  was  held  by  water.  This  early  taught  him 
the  use  of  the  oar,  than  which  no  exercise  is  better 
adapted  to  promote  muscular  development  and  the 
power  of  enduring  fatigue.  Nor  was  his  mind  under 
less  favorable  influences  for  vigorous  growth.  Removed 
from  the  enervating  effects  of  refined  society,  and  asso- 
ciating daily  with  lumber-men,  ship-builders,  and  the 
hardy  sons  of  Neptune,  he  was  familiar  with  the  rough 
and  rugged  aspect  of  human  life,  and  imbibed  its 
hardier  influences  both  in  body  and  mind. .  \ 

The  Pepperrells  extended  their  sphere  of  biisiness, 
and  for  some  years  were  the  largest  merchants  on  the 
Pascataqua,  or  even  in  New  England.  Lumber  and 
ship-timber  floated  down  the  river  in  gondolas  from  the 
head  of  tide-waters;  and  fish  from  the  Grand  Banks 
and  the  Shoals  were  poured  into  their  warehouses; 
and  cargoes  were  sent  to  the  West  Indies,  to  Portugal, 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YlARS. 


23 


the  Mediterranean,  and  England,  or  exchanged.  Often 
his  vess^cla  and  cargoes  were  sold  together,  which  pro- 
moted the  extension  of  ship-building,  one  of  the  chief 
sources  of  their  wealth.  The  lumbtr  and  carpenter's 
work  were  paid  for  in  merchandise  and  provisions. 
Naval  stores  and  provisions  were  obtained  from  the 
Carolinas,  in  exchange  .  for  fish  and  West  India  and 
European  g^jds,  and  cordage,  iron,  hemp,  and  fishing- 
tackle  from  England,  for  vessels  and  cargoes  sold  there. 
Their  bankers  in  Plymouth  and  London  received  the 
proceeds  of  cargoes  and  vessels  sold  in  the  Mediter- 
ranean, Portugal,  France,  and  England,  and  answered 
the  bills  of  exchange  drawn  on  them  in  favor  of  Boston 
merchants,  to  whom  they  were  sold  at  a  great  advance, 
and  paid  for  in  such  goods  as  were  needed  to  complete 
Pepperrell's  assortment,  and  in  provincial  money.  This 
money  was  expended  in  real  estate,  bought  at  low 
prices,  and  which  rapidly  increased  in  value.  Such 
was  the  circle  of  operations  by  which  the  Pepperrells 
amassed  a  princely  fortune. 

But  they  greatly  augmented  their  estate  by  the  pur- 
chase of  an  extensive  tract  of  land  on  the  eastern  side 
of  Saco  River.  In  1716,  they  bought  of  the  represent- 
atives of  Benjamin  Blackman,  who  had  purchased 
from  the  original  proprietors.  Gibbons  and  Bonython,  a 
large  part  of  the  present  township  of  Saco,  extending 
from  the  sea  several  miles  along  Saco  River,  including 
all  the  mill  sites  on  which  stand  the  present  large  cotton 
factories,  and  also  most  of  the  land  in  that  flourishing 
town.  The  bargain  was  made  by  the  younger  William, 
first  for  two  thirds  of  the  land  which  he  bought  of 
Samuel  Walker,  of  New  Jersey,  and  immediately  after- 
ward the  other  third,  bought  of  Thomas  Goodwill,  of 
Boston.     Being  a  minor,  the  transaction  was  performed 


24 


LIFE  OP   Sill  WILLIAM   PEPPEURELL. 


hi  i 


wv 


in  the  name  of  the  elder  Pepperrell,  who  paid  Mr. 
Goodwill  for  his  third  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds, 
current  mon(;y,  and  took  the  deed  in  his  own  name, 
and  afterward  conveyed  it  to  his  son.  In  1729  the 
younger  William  bought  of  William  Corbain,  of 
Boston,  an  adjoining  tract  eastward  of  the  former, 
and  became  thus  sole  proprietor  of  the  greater  part  of 
the  towns  of  Saco  and  Scarboro'.  The  rise  in  value 
of  these  lands,  added  to  the  profits  yielded  by  the  mills 
they  erected,  were  of  themselves  an  ample  fortune  for 
one  house. 

After  the  purchase  of  Saco,  young  Pepperrell,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one,  seems  to  have  assumed  the  duties 
of  an  out-door  partner,  in  directing  improvements  on 
this  large  estate,  and  in  contracting  for  the  building  of 
vessels  on  Pascataqua  and  Saco  Rivers. 

Ship-building  was  rendered  particularly  profitable  by 
the  policy  of  the  home  government,  which  favored  this 
branch  of  industry  more  than  any  other,  insomuch  that 
the  ship-carpenters  in  the  Thames  complained,  in  1724, 
that  their  trade  was  hurt,  and  their  workmen  emigrated, 
caused  by  the  building  of  so  many  vessels  in  New 
England.  Parliament  had  prohibited  the  manufacture 
of  woollens  in  America,  for  exportation  from  one 
colony  to  another,  and  the  hatters  in  London  were 
favored  by  a  law  forbidding  the  hatters  in  New 
England  to  employ  more  than  one  apprentice.  But 
the  board  of  trade  despaired  of  any  remedy  for  the 
ship-carpenters,  "  since  it  would  hardly  do  to  prohibit 
the  building  of  ships  by  the  colonists."  Pepperrell, 
therefore,  found.it  profitable  to  embark  extensively  in 
this  business.  He  also  managed  the  affairs  of  the  firm 
in  Boston,  assislted  by  his  brother-in-law  William  Tyler, 
a  merchant  of  that  town.     Meanwhile  the  elder  Pep- 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


25 


pcrnll  nttendcd  more  to  indoor  trade,  particularly  to 
tho  tiwhing  interest,  and  much  of  his  time  was  neces- 
sarily devoted  to  the  care  of  his  numerous  family. 

The  ascendency  which  the  Pepperrell  firm  enjoyed 
over  any  other  mercantile  house  in  New  England,  gave 
it  a  large  agency  in  the  transaction  of  the  pecuniary 
afthirs  of  the  province  with  the  mother  country.  This 
branch  of  business  was  conducted  by  the  younger 
Pepperrell,  and  brought  him  into  an  intimate  acquaint- 
ance with  public  men  in  Boston;  and  this,  while  it 
cultivated  courtly  manners  and  an  easy  address,  for 
which  he  became  distinguished,  introduced  him  into 
the  best  society,  and  favored  his  advancement  in  mili- 
tary and  political  life.  He  had  no  sooner  passed 
through  his  minority  than  he  was  commissioned  justice 
of  the  peace,  and  captain  of  a  company  of  cavalry. 
He  was  soon  after  promoted  to  be  a  major  and  lieuten- 
ant-colonel, and  at  the  age  of  thirty,  was  made  colonel, 
which  placed  him  in  command  of  all  the  militia  of 
Maine.  ' 

It  was  about  the  same  time  that  he  was 
chosen  representative  of  Kittery,  which  then 
included  Elliot,  and  next  year  he  received  the  follow- 
ing notice  of  his  appointment  to  the  board  of  council- 
lors:— 


1726. 


Boston,  Jnno  1, 1727. 

Sir,  —  I  am  directed  by  the  Honorable  Lieutenant- 
Governor  and  Council  to  acquaint  you  that  you  are 
elected  and  appointed  a  councillor  or  assistant  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  that  your  attendance  at  the  council- 
board  is  desired  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Your  humble  servant, 

J.  WiLLARD. 

3 


26 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


His  appointment  was  renewed  thirty-two  successive 
years  until  his  death,  during  eighteen  of  which  he 
served  as  president  of  the  board. 

Among  the  families  of  distinction  in  Boston  to  whom 
young  Pepperrell  was  presented,  was  that  of  the  late 
Grove  Hirst  Esquire,  deceased,  an  opulent  merchant, 
whose  wife  was  daughter  of  Judge  Sewall  of  the 
Supreme  Court.  The  Hirst  family  were  connected  by 
marriage  with  Rev.  Samuel  Moody  of  York,  whose 
wife  was  a  Sewall,  and  whose  niece,  named  Mary 
Hirst,  occasionally  visited  there.  Mr.  Pepperrell  had 
met  her  at  her  grandfather's,  Judge  Sewall,  in  Boston, 
and  on  the  strength  of  the  acquaintance  there  formed, 
called  on  her,  at.  York,  more  than  once.  This  gave 
much  annoyance  to  the  parson's  son,  who,  in  his 
journal,  has  recorded  that  he  w^as  bewildered  by  the 
attractions  of  the  young  lady.  Young  Moody  was 
then  a  schoolmaster,  and  afterward  settied  in  the  minis- 
try in  the  north  parish  of  York.  It  is  no  wonder  that 
his  pretensions  were  outrivalled  by  those  of  Mr.  Pep- 
perrell, the  heir  of  a  fortune,  and  favored  with  engaging 
manners  and  the  tact  which  fashionable  life  and  politi- 
cal eminence  confers.  With  assiduity  and  much  skill, 
making  presents  of  gold  rings,  a  large  hoop  and  other 
ornaments,  he  soon  succeeded  in  winning  her  affections, 
and  their  marriage  was  solemnized  the  16th  of  March, 
1723,  when  he  was  twenty-seven  years  of  age.  The 
happy  couple  resided  in  the  family  mansion  at  Kittery 
Point,  which  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  to  the  north 
end,  giving  the  whole  a  stately  appearance.  On  the 
death  of  his  parents,  the  whole  came  into  the  posses- 
sion of  the  son. 

In  1730,  Governor  Belcher  wished  to  renew  all  his 
civil  commissions,  which,  however,  had  not  invariably 


I 


m\  I 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


27 


been  done  by  his  predecessors  on  coming  into  office. 
He  was  desirous  also  of  appointing  a  favorite  to  tiie 
clerkship  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  which  be- 
longed of  right  to  the  judges,  and  these  preferred  the 
old  incumbent.  Disappointed  in  his  aim,  he  removed 
from  the  bench  all  the  judges,  and  appointed  in  their 
place  William  Pepperrell  Junior,  chief  justice,  Samuel 
Came;  Timothy  Gerrish,  and  Joseph  Moody,  associates, 
through  whom  he  was  enabled  to  bring  his  favorite  into 
place.  This  office  of  chief  justice,  Mr.  Pepperrell  con- 
tinued to  hold  until  the  day  of  his  decease  in  1759. 

Immediately  after  this  appointment  as  chief  justice 
on  the  bench,  Mr.  Pepperrell  endeavored  to  qualify 
himself  for  its  duties  by  the  study  of  law.  By  an 
invoice  still  preserved,  he  ordered  from  London  a  small 
law  library.  Among  these  books  were  Danvers'  Abridg- 
ment of  the  Common  Law,  a  law  dictionary.  The 
Complete  Solicitor,  and  some  others. 

His  biographer.  Rev.  Dr.  Stevens,  says :  "  Here  it 
was  that,- being  intrusted  with  the  execution  of  the 
laws,  he  distributed  justice  with  equity  and  impartiality. 
And  though  he  was  not  insensible  of  the  necessity 
of  discountenancing  vice  by  proper  punishments,  yet 
the  humanity  of  his  temper  disposed  him  to  make  all 
those  allowances  which  might  be  alleged  in  extenua- 
tion of  the  fault."  He  was  not  ignorant  of  the  forms 
of  judicial  proceedings  when  he  took  his  seat  upon  the 
bench  as  chief  justice.  The  courts  had  for  several 
years  been  held  in  or  near  the  family  mansion,  and  his 
father  had  served  many  years  as  an  associate  judge, 
and  he  had  himself  while  a  minor  held  the  office 
of  clerk  of  the  court. 

With  all  their  vastly  extended  and  diversified  com- 
merce   and    navigation,   it   should    be    mentioned  to 


(:!  M 


if 
ii 


M 


LIFE   OF  SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


the  credit  of  the  Pepperrell  firm,  that  they  never 
imported  slaves  from  Africa.  Like  all  persons  of  their 
day  who  possessed  the  means,  they  owned  a  few  slaves, 
probably  ten  or  a  dozen,  whom  they  purchased  in  the 
vicinity.  One  of  these  was  a  cooper  named  Lymas, 
whose  occupation  was  an  essential  part  of  the  estab- 
lishment, in  making  casks  for  fish  and  oil,  and  for 
carrying  supplies  of  water  for  ships'  use.  Lymas  was 
one  day  missing,  and  a  vessel  commanded  by  a 
Captain  Ward  had  just  sailed  for  Portugal.  Pep- 
perrell wrote  to  his  correspondents  in  Oporto  and 
Lisbon  to  search  said  vessel.  It  appeared,  on  inquiry 
of  the  crew,  that  Lymas  had  concealed  himself  on 
board  before  sailing,  and  was  not  discovered  till  some 
days  subsequently,  when  he  made  himself  known.  In 
a  few  days  after,  he  was  missing,  and  never  being 
found  it  was  supposed  by  the  crew  that  he  had  fallen 
overboard  in  the  night. 

On  one  occasion  Benjamin  Bullard,  a  merchant 
of  Antigua,  shipped  to  Kittery  Point  five  negroes,  con- 
signed to  the  firm  of  Pepperrells.  He  received  the 
following  answer,  dated  June  25,  1719  :  "  Sir,  —  I 
received  yours  by  Captain  Morris,  with  bills  of  lading 
for  five  negroes  and  one  hogshead  of  rum.  One  negro 
woman,  marked  Y  on  the  left  breast,  died  in  about 
three  weeks  after  her  arrival,  iij  spite  of  medical  aid 
which  I  procured.  All  the  rest  died  at  sea.  I  am 
sorry  for  your  loss.  It  may  have  resulted  from  deficient 
clothing  so  early  in  the  spring." 

Few  other  incidents  worthy  of  recital  occurred  in 
the  life  of  Pepperrell,  during  the  first  ten  years  after  his 
father's  decease.  His  mercantile  and  other  operations 
were  continued,  his  real  estate  rose  in  value,  and 
though  he  sustained  occasional  losses  by  shipwrecks 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


29 


and  bankruptcies,  his  fortune  on  the  whole  was  aug- 
mented. The  prestige  which  this  gave  him,  together 
with  the  faithful  performance  of  his  duty  in  the  varied 
and  important  offices  he  held,  secured  to  him  the 
confidence  of  the  public,  and  with  his  popular  man- 
ners gave  him  a  commanding  influence  throughout 
New  England. 

On  the  death  of  his  father,  in  1734,  he  seems  to  have 
received  strong  religious  impressions,  which  proved  to 
be  lasting,  and  led  him  to  an  open  profession  and 
union  with  the  church.  His  letters  to  relatives  and 
intimate  friends,  from  this  time  forward,  are  imbued 
with  religious  sentiment.  In  reply  to  a  letter  from 
his  friend  Colonel  Samuel  Waldo,  he  writes :  "  I  take 
kindly  your  expression  of  sorrow  for  my  great  loss 
in  the  death  of  my  aged  and  honored  father,  and 
desire  that  God  in  his  great  goodness  and  mercy 
would  be  pleased  to  fit  and  prepare  us  all  for  that 
untried  state  of  existence  to  which  we  are  all  hasten- 
ing." In  all  his  letters  to  his  clerical  friends,  he  solicits 
their  intercession  in  his  behalf.  He  often  entertained 
the  clergy  as  visitors  at  his  house,  and  among  others, 
the  itinerant  Whitefield  met  with  a  cordial  reception. 
In  1741,  his  only  daughter  Elizabeth  was  admitted  into 
full  communion  in  the  church. 

"When  ordinations  occurred  in  the  neighboring 
churches,  he  was  usually  appointed  one  of  the  dele- 
gates from  his  parish  to  assist,  especially  when  not 
engaged  in  official  duties  as  councillor  or  judge^ 

At  the  funeral  obsequies  of  his  father,  Mr.  Pepperrell 
bestowed  every  mark  of  respect  that  filial  affection 
dictated.  He,  shortly  after,  ordered  from  London  the 
marble  structure  that  now  stands  over  the  vault  con- 
taining   the    mouldering    remains   of   the    Pepperrell 


\ 


i 


>i\ 


m 


\WF ' 


-i- 


30 


w 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


family,  which  was  erected  about  the  year  1736.  This 
is  almost  the  only  relic  of  Pepperrell's  day  now 
remaining  as  it  was  at  Kittery  Point ;  and  even 
here,  the  vault  beneath  became  so  dilapidated  a  few 
years  since,  that  water  gained  admission  through  its 
crumbling  roof,  and  washed  the  dissolving  remains 
of  the  tenants  into  an  undistinguishable  mass,  and 
but  for  the  respect  entertained  for  the  memory  of  the 
illustrious  dead,  by  a  female  remotely  descended  from 
the  baronet,  the  whole  structure  would  long  since  have 
fallen  into  ruins.  By  her  exertions  and  limited  means 
the  tomb  was  put  in  good  repair.* 

The  legacies  left  by  the  will  of  the  elder  Pepperrell 
were  numerous  but  not  large,  the  great  bulk  of  his 
property  descending  to  his  son.  As  a  matter  of  course, 
the  other  heirs  were  disappointed  and  dissatisfied. 
The  numerous  ships,  farms,  mills,  stocks,  warehouses, 
■merchandise,  etc.,  were  known,  and  each  daughter's 
■husband  anticipated  a  large  bequest.  But  he  directed 
•only  about  five  hundred  pounds  current  money  to 
ibe  paid  to  each  daughter,  in  addition  to  their  marriage 
.portions  and  other  advancements,  with  half  of  his 
Jiousehold  furniture  after  his  wife's  decease,  and  from 
twenty  to  fifty  pounds  to  each  grandchild.  Some 
•of  the  sons-in-law  had  already  anticipated  a  portion 


*  To  the  tourist  who  may  hereafter  visit  the  Pepperrell  seat  and 
tomb  at  Kittery  Point,  it  may  be  interesting  to  know  the  cost  of  the 
marble  structure  which  was  imported  from  London. 

The  marble  and  sculpture  cost,       .        .       30/.    6s.     lOrf. 
Searching  for  the  arms  at  the  Herald  office,  3        6 

Deal  cases, 3     11 

Cartage,  wharfage,  etc.,  .        .        .  10 


Total, 


34    11 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


31 


of  their  bequests,  by  indebtedness  to  the  deceased. 
But  they  discreetly  remained  silent  under  their  dis- 
appointment. There  was,  however,  one  exception 
worth  noticing;  Andrew  Tyler  who  married  Miriam 
Pepperrell,  had  a  daughter  who  married  William 
Williams,  son  of  Rev.  William,  and  a  graduate  of 
Harvard.  Young  Williams  resided  in  Boston,  and 
was  patronized  in  trade  and  on  intimate  terms  with 
his  wife's  grandfather  Pepperrell  and  her  uncle  Wil- 
liam. This  Williams  and.  his  father-in-law  Tvler, 
were  evidently  vexed  by  the  will,  as  appears  by  letters 
that  passed  between  young  Williams  and  his  uncle, 
whom  he  reflected  upon  as  influencing  if  not  dictating 
the  terms  of  the  will.  The  concluding  letter  of  his 
uncle  reads  thus  :  — 


Yours  of  the  5th  instant  I  have  received,  and 
assure  you  that  at  present  I  cannot  find  my  account 
in  reading  such  a  long  letter,  much  less  to  answer  it, 
but  will  say 'that  I  believe  no  person  who  has  heard  of 
Mr.  Williams'  education  could  think  that  he  wrote  such 
a  letter  as  I  answered,  without  he  had  been  directed, 
and  although  you  in  your  last  write  otherwise,  yet 
it  is  with  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  that  I  bel'^^ve  it. 

I  think  it  must  turn  out  to  the  honor  and  credit 
of  all  persons  to  endeavor  to  support  the  credit  of  their 
relations.  As  to  what  you  write  about  my  coming 
to  the  council-board,  I  should  have  been  glad  had 
I  been  better  qualified  before  coming  there.  But  I 
have  this  to  satisfy  me  in  my  coming  short,  that  I 
never  made  the  least  interest  for  it.  But  such  hints 
would  be  worth  minding  if  they  were  written  by  a 
man  of  more  years  than  yourself.  I  thank  you  for  all 
the  kind  services  you  have  done  for  me,  and  if  you 


!} 


I 


Mm 
I  lit  I 


Mr 


32 


v\ 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


please  to  get  the  account  for  those  things  you  bought 
for  me  ready,  hope  to  be  in  Boston  next  week  and 
make  you  full  satisfaction. 

I  am  your  humble  servant, 

William  Pepperuell. 

It  would  gratify  curiosity  to  know  what  Williams 
wrote  which  the  above  letter  of  his  uncle  purports  to 
answer.  It  was  doubtless  caustic  and  insolent.  A 
reconciliation  was  however  effected,  and  many  friendly 
letters  passed  between  them  in  after  years,  and  young 
Williams  served  as  assistant  secretary  to  Pepperrell,  at 
Louisburg.* 

After  the  decease  of  the  elder  Pepperrell,  the  man- 
agement of  the  extensive  and  diversified  affairs  of  the 
firm  devolved  entirely  on  the  son,  added  to  which  were 
the  duties  of  the  several  offices  he  sustained,  as  justice  • 
of  the  peace,  chief  justice  of  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas,  councillor,  and  colonel  of  the  Yorkshire  regi- 
ment, together  with  the  care  of  his  own  family,  and  of 
his  widowed  sisters  and  their  children,  and  many  poor 
relatives. 

Residing  in  a  part  of  the  country  more  exposed  than 

*  This  Mr.  Williams  lived  to  marry  three  wives,  the  first  a  Tyler, 
granddaughter  of  the  elder  Col.  Pepperrell,  by  whom  he  had  one 
son  who  Avas  a  surgeon  with  Col.  Ephraim  Williams  when  he  fell 
near  Fort  William  Henry.  He  died  of  smallpox.  The  second,  a 
Wells,  by  whom  he  had  several  children,  one  of  them  named  William 
Pepperrell.  The  third  wife  was  Hannah  Dickinson,  who  was  unkind 
to  his  children  by  his  second  wife,  and  they  were  turned  adrift  and 
induced  to  join  the  Shakers  at  New  Lebanon.  Major  Stoddard 
remarks  of  Col.  Williams,  "  that  he  married  his  first  wife,  Miss  Miriam 
Tyler,  for  good  sense,  and  got  it,  his  second  wife,  Miss  Wells,  for  love 
and  beauty,  and  had  it,  and  his  third  wife,  Aunt  Hannah  Dickinson, 
for  good  qualities,  and  got  horribly  cheated." 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


33 


1738. 


any  other  to  the  ravages  of  a  cruel  and  perfidious 
enemy,  he  felt  the  importance  of  vigilance  and  con- 
stant preparation  for  defence.  He  accordingly  issued 
orders  frequently  to  all  the  captains  to  muster  their 
companies,  inspect  their  arms,  and  report  their  condi- 
tion. Many  orders  of  the  kind  are  still  preserved  as 
autographs.  Impressed  with  the  difficult  and  respon- 
sible duties  devolving  upon  him,  he  called  a 
meeting  of  the  commissioned  officers  at  Port- 
land, with  whom  he  consulted  and  made  overtures  for 
a  better  organization,  equipment,  and  discipline  of  the 
militia  under  his  command.  More  ardor  and  military 
spirit  were  now  diffused  among  the  officers  and 
soldiers,  —  their  ranks  were  filled^and  new  companies 
were  formed.  They  all  knew  how  to  use  the  firelock, 
were  marksmen,  and  in  Indian  warfare,  had  been 
employed  in  scouts  and  ambuscades,  but  exercises  and 
evolutions  in  large  bodies,  beyond  single  company 
trainings,  they  had  yet  to  learn.  In  order  to  favor 
battalion  and  regimental  muster,  the  Yorkshire  regi- 
ment, comprising  all  the  troops  of  Maine,  was  divided 
into  two  regiments.     The  western  one,  compris-  , 

ing  the  present  county  of  York,  he  continued  to 
command,  and  the  eastern  or  new  regiment  was  trans- 
ferred to  Col.  Samuel  Waldo,  of  Falmouth,  who  had 
previously  been  his  lieutenant-colonel.  The  former 
consisted  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  and  sixty-five, 
and  the  latter  of  one  thousand  two  hundred  and  ninety 
soldiers.  * 

Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire  were  united 
under  one  governor,  each-  province  having  a  lieutenant- 
governor.  In  1717,  John  Wentworth  was  appointed 
lieutenant-governor  of  New  Hampshire,  in  place  of 
Vaughn    removed,    Shute    being    governor   of    both 


34 


w 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


r! 


provinces.  He  was  succeeded  by  Governor  Burnet, 
who  died  in  1729,  and  Jonathan  Belcher  was  appointed 
the  following  year.  Wentworth  and  his  two  sons, 
Benning  Wentworth  and  Mark  Hunking,  were  in  trade 
in  Portsmouth,  and  a  spirit  of  rivalry  existed  between 
their  house  and  the  Pepperrells.  The  office  held  by 
the  former  gave  them  an  advantage  over  the  latter, 
in  the  exercise  of  which,  they  seized  one  6f  PepperrelFs 
vessels  for  a  violation,  real  or  pretended  of  the  revenue 
laws.  The  case  was  to  be  tried  in  London.  Pepper- 
rell  writes  to  his  agent,  who  went  out  in  1723  to 
defend  the  suit. 

Pascataqm,  Februari/  9,  1723. 

Elisha  Cook,  Esq.* 

Sir,  —  Inclosed  you  have  several  affidavits,  which  we 
took  with  thoughts  that  if  there  were  occasion,  they 
might  serve  us  in  our  case  relating  to  the  seizing  of  our 
ship  by  the  instigation  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Went- 
worth. But  if  they  will  not  be  serviceable  for  that, 
they  will  show  how  that  man  will  strain  at  a  gnat  and 
swallow  a  camel.  He  and  his  two  sons,  being  con- 
siderable traders,  will  endeavor  to  monopolize  all  the 
trade  of  this  place,  and  to  discourage  and  depress 
others.  But  you  know'  the  man ;  therefore  I  shall  not 
trouble  you  further  on  this  head.  We  would  not  have 
it  exposed  or  known  that  we  send  you  the  above 
affidavits,  you  being  sensible  that  situated  as  he  is, 
it  lies  in  his  power  to  hurt  trading  men. 

We  are  with  respect,  etc.,  etc. 

W.  P. 


I    ;|i 


While  it  was  uncertain  whether  Belcher  or  Shute 
would  be  appointed  governor  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  Hampshire,  both  of  them  striving  for  the  office. 


I 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


85 


Lieutenant-Governor  Wentworth  wrote  a  complimen- 
tary letter  to  Belcher  in  London.  On  his  first  visit 
to  New  Hampshire,  Belcher  accepted  an  invitation 
from  Wentworth  to  reside  at  his  house.  But  he 
soon  learned  thai  Wentworth  had  written  a  similar 
letter  to  Shute,  which  he  highly  resented  as  savor- 
ing of  duplicity.  In  this  originated  a  feud  attended 
with  great  persecution  on  the  part  of  Wentworth, 
until  his  death  in  1730;  and,  his  successor,  David 
Dunbar,  continued  the  same  course,  until  finally  by 
unfair  means,  he  and  his  friends  and  Wentworth's 
friends,  effected  Belcher's  removal  in  1741.  William 
Shirley  succeeded  Belcher  as  governor  of  Massachu- 
setts. 

Benning  Wentworth,  son  of  the  deceased  lieutenant- 
governor,  who  had  opposed  Belcher  with  sueh  untiring 
zeal  and  asperity,  was  unfortunate  in  trade  in.  conse- 
quence of  the  neglect  of  the  Spanish  government 
to  fulfil  its  engagements  to  him  for  timber,  which 
he  had  furnished  to  the  amount  of  sixty  thousand 
dollars.  He  sought  redress  in  person  at  the  court  of 
Spain,  and  while  in  that  country  he  received  consign- 
ments of  cargoes  from  Pepperrell,  which  led  to  a 
friendly  correspondence  that  indicated  a  better  state 
of  feeling  than  formerly  existed  when  they  were  rival 
merchants.  From  Spain  he  went  to  London,  and 
arrived  there  pending  the  consideration  of  a  memorial 
of  citizens  of  New  Hampshire,  to  have  that  province 
made  a  distinct  government.  By  the  aid  of  friends 
this  measure  was  accomplished,  and  himself  was 
appointed  governor.  Pepperrell's  agent,  Silas  Hooper, 
writes  to  him  from  London :  "  I  find  the  New 
Hampshire  province  have  got  the  better  of  the  '^"-^■q  ^' 
Massachusetts  in  their  appeal  about  the  division 


.,■: 


II 


! 


36 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


' '  'It 


of  the  provinces,  the  particulars  of  which,  Captain 
Rymes  will  inform  you,  as  also  of  its  being  separated 
from  the  other  government,  and  is  to  have  a  governor 
of  its  own,  and  that  Benning  Wentworth  is  talked 
of  to  be  the  man,  which  time  will  show;  and  if  so, 
I  know  not  whether  I  may  congratulate  you  on  the 
happy  change  or  not,  which  you  must  be  the  best 
judge  of." 

Wentworth  arrived  in  Portsmouth  amid  the  acclama- 
tions of  all  the  populace,  who  had  assembled  to  wel- 
come his  return  as  governor. 

In  1727  a  new  tier  of  towns  in  the  rear  of  those  on 
the  seaboard,  extending  from  Salmon  Falls  to  Andros- 
coggin River,  was  surveyed  and  offered  to  settlers 
on  the  most  favorable  terms.  This  was  done  to 
nrotect  the  old  towns  that  had  suffered  so  much  by 
Indian  depredations,  and  also  to  provide  farms  for 
those  who  fought  in  the  Indian  wars,  or  who  had 
suffered  heavy  losses  by  fire  and  the  tomahawk. 
Aj;ents  were  appointed  by  the  general  court  to  convey 
these  lands  to  such  claimants  and  to  other  settlers. 
Phillipstown  (now  Sanford)  was  assigned  to  the  agency 
of  Col.  William  Pepperrell  who  signed  the  deeds  of 
conveyance. 

A  subject  of  perpetual  agitation  and  altercation 
between  the  royal  governors  and  the  legislatures 
of  the  provinces,  was  the  governor's  salary.  The  king, 
from  time  to  time,  instructed  that  the  amount  should 
be  settled  permanently,  but  the  representatives  insisted 
on  voting  it  from  year  to  year,  in  order,  as  they 
pretended,  that  they  might  vary  it  according  to  the 
amount  of  services  rendered,  intending  no  doubt  to 
make  it  available  as  a  means  of  securing  the  favorable 
influence  of  the  governor  in  whatever  would  promote 


PARENTAGE  AND  EARLY  YEARS. 


37 


the  welfare  of  the  colony.  Governor  Bnrnet  insisted 
on  the  permanent  salary  with  great  pertinacity,  but  the 
honse  resisted  until  the  session  was  prolonged  five 
months,  when  they  were  prorogued.  But  a  majority 
of  the  council,  including  Pepperrell,  considered  it  pni- 
dent  to  comply  with  the  instruction,  as  the  salary  could 
be  only  during  the  life  or  the  commission  of  the 
present  governor.  When,  therefore,  Governor  Belcher, 
on  Burnet's  death,  was  appointed  and  pressed  this 
claim,  he  found  ready  support  from  Pepperrell,  as  he 
did  in  nearly  all  his  favorite  measures,  —  and  a  har- 
mony of  opinion  and  strong  mutual  friendship  existed 
between  them  from  the  beginning  of  their  career 
through   life. 

In  1740,  when  paper-money  had  increased  through- 
out New  England  to  an  alarming  extent,  relief  was 
sought  in  a  "  Land  Bank,"  based  on  mortgages  upon 
real  estate.  Governor  Belcher  opposed  it  in  every 
fctage  of  its  progress,  much  to  the  dissatisfaction  of  the 
house,  who,  soon  after,  united  with  his  enemies  in  New 
Hampshire  and  in  England,  in  a  petition  for  his 
removal.  Although  the  crown  approved  of  his  course 
on  the  bank,  his  enemies  aasailed  him  on  other  subjects 
with  such  zeal  and  virulence,  that  he  was  recalled  with- 
out a  trial  or  investigation,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Governor  Shirley.  He  sought  redress  in  England,  and 
on  the  eve  of  his  departure  his  friends  united  in  a 
fair  representation  of  his  conduct  to  men  of  influ- 
ence at  court.  His  friend  Pepperrell  was  appealed 
to  in  his  favor,  by  Councillor  Allen,  in  the  following 
letter : — 

Honored  Sir,  —  Mr.  Foye,  the  bearer,  waits  on  you 
with  your  frit. id  Governor  Belcher's  letter,  relating  to 

4 


m 


k '. 


3H 


LIKi:   OF   sill   WILLIAM    PKPl'EUUKLL 


his  iiitciidt'tl  voyage  to  Grcjit  Britain,  which  lie  uiidrr- 
takcsj  upon  good  eiieouragt'mciit  of  HUceeHH,  and  as  yon 
have  ever  been  of  the  number  of  ills  wttMidy  friends 
upon  honorable  terms,  and  a  true  nntriot  of  yt)ur 
country  upon  the  best  principles,  he  ilatters  himself 
you  will  on  this  important  conjuncture  to  himself 
and  family,  as  well  as  of  the  province,  give  a  further 
proof  of  your  friendship,  in  assisting  him  with  your 
interest  on  the  other  side  of  the  water.  And  from  the 
great  regard  I  pay  (without  even  a  suspicion  of  flattery) 
to  your  noble  and  generous  principles,  for  the  best 
interest  of  your  country,  I  take  the  liberty  to  beg  and 
entreat  your  favor  for  our  friend  who  has  been  so 
greatly  abused.  To  the  plea  of  friendship,  allow  me 
to  add  that  this  voyage  (as  I  apprehend)  is  the  last 
remedy  to  save  a  sinking  country  from  being  the  prey 
of  land  bankers  and  beggars,  which,  as  they  are  now 
playing  the  game,  is  nothing  but  buying  and  selling 
the  country.  This  I  take  to  be  a  point  in  which  every 
gentleman  of  fortune  is  interested,  and  so  of  great  con- 
sequence to  a  gentleman  of  your  superior  fortune ;  on 
this  account,  particularly,  have  several  good  gentlemen 
here  given  their  assistance,  and,  I  allow  myself  no 
room  to  doubt  of  your  kind  and  generous  aid,  which 
I  can  urge  with  the  better  grace,  as  I  am  heartily 
engaged  in  the  affair  so  well  calculated  for  the  good 
of  my  country,  and  the  security  of  my  own  little 
fortune.  Excuse  this  freedtmi,  and  believe  me  to  be, 
with  great  regard, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

James  Allen. 


Pepperrell  joined  most  cordially  in  the  effort  to  sus- 
tain and  help  his  old  "  friend  and  his  father's  friend," 


/ 


PARENTAGE   AND   EAH' Y  YEAIIS. 


39 


which  resulted  in  BeU'her's  n\  .loiutment  as  govrrnor 
of  New  Jersey,  where  he  piissi'd  the  remainder  of  his 
duys,  enjoyinpf  the  esteem  niid  respect  of  his  old  friends 
in  New  England,  and  in  ^*'V  interchange  of  friendly 
sentiment  by  letter.  \  / 

The  children  of  Willian  ^Pepperrell,  Esq.,  and  Mary 
Hirst  Pepperrell,  were, 

1.  Efizabefh,  born  December  29,  1723. 

2.  Andrev),  born  January  4,  1726. 

3.  Wil/iam,  born  May  26, 1729,  and  died  the  following 
February. 

4.  Marffcnj,  born  September  4,  1732,  who  also  died 
in  infancy. 

The  two  surviving  children  of  Mr.  Pepperrell,  Eliza- 
beth and  Andrew,  received  the  best  education  the 
province  aflbrded.  Their  mother  had  been  highly  edu- 
cated in  Boston,  and  was  well  qualified  to  direct  their 
instruction.  Elizabeth  attended  the  best  schools  there, 
residing,  much  of  her  time,  in  the  family  of  the  Hirsts 
and  the  Sewalls,  where  Andrew  also  was  a  frequent 
inmate  while  fitting  for  college,  which  he  entered  at 
Cambridge,  in  1741.  Col.  Pepperrell  and  lady  passed 
much  of  their  time  in  Boston,  he  in  the  General  Court 
and  in  nniMrcantile  pursuits,  and  she  with  her  children. 
The  c\4mi«t?l  had  felt  the  need  of  learning  very  sensibly, 
and  was  determined  that  his  only  son  and  heir  to 
his  name  and  fortune,  should  enjoy  all  the  advantages 
which  it  could  confer.  Naturally  kind  .md  atlectionate, 
comely  in  person,  graceful  in  manners,  Andrew  was  the 
idol  of  his  parents,  and  won  the  favor  and  esteem  of  a 
large  circle  of  acquaintances  among  the  elite  of  Boston. 
He  graduated  at  Harvard  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  with 
distinguished  honors. 

Elizabeth,  having  completed  her  education,  returned 


M 


LIFE  OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


home  to  requite,  withT  filial  duties  and  affection,  the 
fostering  care  and  solicitude  of  devoted  parents.  Few 
if  any  belles  of  her  day  possessed  equal  attractions. 
An  heiress  of  rare  accPniplishments  and  winning 
manners,  highbred  mate^'^'jal  connections,  and  the 
only  daughter  of  a  distii/^*iished  merchant,  high  in 
official  station,  military,  political,  and  judicial,  and 
of  commanding  influence,  and  withal  and  above 
all,  a  lady  of  sound  religious  principles  and  abound- 
ing in  Christian  graces,  she  was  truly  "  a  gem  of 
the  first  water."  Many  were  the  admirers  that 
clustered  around,  ambitiously  courting  her  benignant 
smiles. 

Among  those  v^ho  sought  her  favor,  and  the  one 
whose  assiduous  attentions  at  length  gained  her  affec- 
tions, was  a  young  merchant  named  Sparhawk,  son 
of  a  clergyman  of  Bristol,  Rhode  Island,  who,  dying 
early,  left  a  widow  and  two  sons,  John  and  Nathaniel. 
The  widow  married  Jonathan  Waldo,  Esq.,  a  wealthy 
merchant  in  Boston,  who  educated  the  two  sons,  John, 
who  settled  in  the  ministry  at  Salem,  and  left  many 
descendants,  and  Nathaniel,  who  entered  a  commercial 
house  as  partner  in  trade  with  Benjamin  Colman  of 
Boston.  Nathaniel  Sparhawk  and  Miss  Pepperrell 
were  married  May  1, 1742.  Their  permanent  residence 
was  in  Kittery,  near  the  Pepperrell  mansion,  where  Mr. 
Sparhawk  opened  a  mercantile  house,  whilst  he  still 
maintained  his  copartnerhip  with  Colman.  As  his 
father-in-law  retired,  or  was  obliged  to  absent  himself 
to  fill  the  public  stations  he  held,  Mr.  Sparhawk  gradu- 
ally succeeded  him  as  will  hereafter  appear. 

Early  in  1744,  Andrew  Pepperrell,  the  son  of  Sir 
William,  became  a  copartner  in  trade  with  his  father, 
who  notified  mercantile  houses  accordingly. 


>! 


CHAPTER  III. 

SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST   OF   LOUISBURG. 

In  1744,  a  new  scene  opens  in  Pepperrell's  life,  in 
which  the  part  he  performed  raised  him  to  a  high 
degree  of  fame,  and  inscribed  his  name  on  the  endur- 
ing page  of  history;  it  was,  the  siege  and  capture 
of  Louisburg. 

England  had  been  some  years  involved  in  war  with 
Spain,  and  had  gained  important  victories  in  which  the 
blood  of  New  England  had  been  freely  shed.  It  was 
feared  that  the  reverses  of  Spain  would  drive  her  to  the 
expedient  of  drawing  France  into  the  conflict  as  an 
ally ;  and  the  fear  proved  to  be  well  grounded.  Early 
in  October,  1748,  the  government  schooner  of  Massa- 
chusetts arrived  at  Boston  from  England,  via.  New- 
foundland, bringing  despatches  to  all  the  governors, 
inporting  that  in  ten  days  after  her  departure  war 
would  be  declared,  and  orders  from  the  Admiralty 
to  all  naval  commanders  on  the  coast  to  prepare  for 
hostilities.  Immediately  after.  Col.  Pepperrell  received 
the  following  letter  from  Governor  Shirley :  — 


Boston,  October  10,  1743. 
Sir,  —  Having  received  advices  from  Great  Britain 
that  there  is  great  danger  of  a  rupture  with  France,  I 

4* 


\\ 


m 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


think  it  necessary  and  accordingly  direct  you  forthwith 
to  advertise  the  exposed  towns  and  settlements  hereof,  ^ 
and  to  take  proper  care  that  the  inhabitants  secure 
themselves  and  families  against  any  sudden  assault 
from  the  Indians,  and  that  they  do  not  expose  them- 
selves by  being  too  far  from  home  in  this  time  of 
danger,  and  that  the  companies  in  your  regiment 
that  are  not  much  exposed,  be  in  readiness  to  relieve 
any  of  the  neighboring  places  in  case  there  should 
be  any  occasion  for  it.     I  am,  Sir, 

Your  friend  and  servant, 
W.  Shirley. 

On  the  13th,  Pepperrell  writes  to  all  his  captains  a 
copy  of  the  foregoing,  and  adds :  — 

I  hope  that  he  who  gave  us  our  breath  will  give  us 
the  courage  and  prudence  to  behave  ourselves  like  true- 
born  Englishmen. 

Your  friend  and  humble  servant, 

W.  Pepperrell. 


France  declared  war  March  15,  1744,  and  England 
in  two  weeks  after.  The.  garrison  at  Louisburg  toqk 
advantage  of  the  prior  declaration,  and  attacked  Nova 
Scotia.  A  brief  sketch  of  the  relative  positions  of  the 
two  contending  powers  in  America,  at  this  time  and 
previously,  will  assist  in  explaining  their  operations. 

Louisburg  is  situated  at  the  south-eastern  extremity 
•of  the  Island  of  Cape  Breton,  at  the  entrance  into  the 
Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  the  opposite  side  of  the  entrance 
being  Newfoundland,  thirty  leagues  distant.  The  two 
islands,  thus  relatively  situated,  seemed  like  two  sen- 
tinels placed  at  the  entrance  into  the  Gulf  and  River 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


43 


n 


St.  Lawrence,  which  receive  the 'waters  of  the  great 
lakes.  The  Island  of  Cape  Breton  appears  on  a  map 
like  a  continuation  of  Nova  Scotia,  being  nearly  of  the 
same  width,  from  thirty  to  sixty  mile?,  and  is  separated 
from  it  by  a  narrow  strait  called  Canso.  The  two 
together  were  called,  by  the  French,  Acadie,  and  by 
the  English,  Nova  Scotia.  They  are  separated  from 
New  Brunswick  by  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  which  runs 
north-east  from  Cape  Sable,  until  it  almost  meets  Baie 
Verte,  which  makes  in  from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
an  isthmus  of  ten  miles  being  all  that  connects  Nova 
Scotia  with  the  main  land  of  New  Brunswick.  The 
distance  from  Cape  Sable,  the  western  end  of  Nova 
Scotia,  to  the  Strait  of  Canso  is  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  miles,  and  from  Canso  to  Lonisburg,  about 
one  hundred  miles.  Nearly  half  way  between  Cape 
r^able  and  Canso,  on  the  Atlantic  shore,  is  the  present 
V  ity  of  Halifax. 

The  English  claimed,  by  right  of  discovery  and 
possession,  the  Atlantic  shores  from  Nova  Scotia  to 
Georgia,  and  the  French  claimed,  by  the  same  right, 
the  Canadas,  situated  along  the  great  chain  of  waters 
from  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  to  the  great  lakes. 
Already  in  possession  of  the  Mississippi,  they  sought 
to  connect  it  with  the  great  chain  of  waters  through 
the  Ohio  River  to  Pittsburgh,  and  to  Erie  on  the  Lake 
shore.  But  the  Chickasaws  had  long  opposed  their 
progress  up  the  Mississippi.  In  order  to  subdue  them 
and  open  a  free  communication  between  Louisiana 
and  Canada,  a  detachment  of  two  hundred  French  and 
four  hundred  Indians  was  sent  from  Canada  to  Erie, 
and  thence  down  the  Ohio  to  meet  a  party  from  New 
Orleans.  But  the  expected  party  from  below  failed 
to  meet  them  at  the  time  appointed.     The  Canadians, 


\\ 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


1740. 


confident  of  fcTiccess,  attacked  the  Chickasaw  towns 
single-handed.  But  three  hundred  Chickasaws  in- 
stantly assembling,  gave  battle  to  the  French  in  the 
field,  and  completely  conquered  them.  Those  who 
were  not  immediately  killed,  after  being  kept  several 
day«',  almost  perishing  with  hunger,  in  the  wilder- 
ness, were  tied  to  the  stake,  tortured,  and  burnt. 
Soon  after  this,  M.  Bienville  with  a  larger  army 
made  a  second  expedition.  Proceeding  up  the  Missis- 
sippi, they  encamped  within  fifteen  miles  of  the  Chick- 
asaw towns,  and  built  a  fort  called  Assumption,  and 
receiving  succors  f'-)m  Canada,  they,  in  the  following 
March,  proposed  terms  of  peace,  which  the  Chickasaws 
accepted,  and  granted  free  comnmnication  between 
Canada  and  Louisiana. 

But  the  Canadas  were  too  remote  from  New  Orleans 
to  receive  supplies  from  France  by  the  way  of  the 
Mississippi,  so  that  after  al]  their  only  channel  for 
conveying  these  was  through  the  St.  Lawrence.  In 
entering  this,  they  must  pass  Cape  Breton  on  the  left 
and  Newfoundland,  thirty  leagues  distant,  on  the  right, 
and  between  these  two  sentinels  all  intercourse  must 
pass  between  France  and  the  Canadas,  and  the  head- 
waters of  the  Mississippi. 

The  two  rival  nations  thus  relatively  situated,  could 
hardly  overestimate  the  value  and  importance  of  these 
islands,  and  especially  of  Cape  Breton,  to  their  respec- 
tive interests.  Both  nations  were  extensively  engaged 
in  the  fisheries  on  the  Grand  Banks,  within  a  few 
hours'  sail  of  Louisburg.  The'  fur  trade,  from  the 
extensive  north-western  regions,  which  was  a  leading 
French  interest,  must  pass  through  this  channel,  as 
well  as  European  supplies  in  return,  for  French  and 
Indian  Canadians.     To  the  English,  on  the  other  hand, 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


45 


1713. 


the  possession  of  Cape  Breton  was  still  more  impor- 
tant. The  English  colonies  were  vastly  more  populous, 
and  the  colonial  trade  proportionably  greater,  and 
they,  moreover,  afforded  supplies  of  ship  timber  for  the 
British  navy.  In  time  of  war,  armed  vessels  fitted 
out  from  Louisburg,  if  in  possession  of  the  French, 
could  intercept  the  whole  trade  between  England  and 
her  colonics  and  destroy  her  fisheries,  and  if  in  posses- 
sion of  England  the  latter  could  destroy  the  French 
Canadian  trade  and  fisheries.  Hence  Nova  Scotia, 
including  Cape  Breton,  was  a  bone  of  contention  fi-om 
the  earliest  settlement,  and  was  alternately  possessed 
by  one  or  the  other  nation,  as  success  or  defeat  attended 
its  arms  elsewhere. 

At  the  treaty  of  Utrecht,  Nova  Scotia  proper 
was  ceded  to  Great  Britain,  while  Cape  Breton 
was  retained  by  France,  and  from  that  time  no  pains 
nor  expense  was  spared,  by  the  French  government,  in 
building  and  strengthening  its  fortifications.  They 
commenced  building  a  walled  town  on  a  tongue  of 
land  at  the  south-east  part  of  the  island,  which,  in 
honor  of  their  king,  they  called  Louisburg.  An  accu- 
rate description  of  it  is  thus  given  by  Belknap.  It  was 
two  miles  and  a  half  in  circumference,  fortified  in  every 
accessible  part,  with  a  rampart  of  stone  from  thirty  to 
thirty-six  feet  high,  and  a  ditch  eighty  feet  wide;  a 
space  of  about  two  hunc.v.d  yards  was  left  without  a 
rampart,  on  the  side  jiext  to  the  sea,  and  inclosed  by  a 
simple  dike  and  pickets.  The  sea  was  so  shallow 
at  this  place  that  it  made  only  a  narrow  channel, 
inaccessible,  from  its  numerous  reefs,  to  any  shipping 
whatever.  On  an  island  at  the  entrance  of  the  harbor, 
which  was  only  four  hundred  yards  wide,  was  a  battery 
of  thirty  cannon,  carrying  twenty-eight  pound  shot, 


li    I'M 


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m"'n 


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LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


i 


and  at  the  bottom  of  the  harbor,  directly  opposite  to 
the  entrance,  was  the  grand  or  royal  battery  of  twenty- 
eight  forty-twos,  and  two  eighteen  pound  cannon.  On 
a  high  enninence  opposite  the  island  battery,  stood  the 
light-house,  and  at  the  north-east  part  of  the  harbor 
was  a  magazine  for  naval  stores.  The  town  was 
regui"  'y  laid  out  in  squares.  The  streets  were  broad, 
and  J  houses  built  mostly  of  wood  and  stone.  The 
entrance  to  the  town  was  at  the  west  gate  over  a  draw- 
bridge, which  was  protected  by  a  circular  battery  of 
thirteen  twenty-four  pound  cannon. 

These  works  had  been  twenty-five  years  in  building, 
and,  though  unfinished,  had  cost  France  not  less  than 
six  millions  of  dollars.  It  was,  in  peace,  a  safe  retreat 
for  ^he  i^'rench  ships  bound  homeward  from  the  East 
and  West  Indies,  and  in  war,  a  place  most  favorable 
for  privateers  to  seize  fishing  and  coasting  vessels,  and 
British  merchantmen. 

The  French  had  early  erected  forts  between  Quebec 
and  Lake  Erie,  and  they  now  aimed  to  establish  others 
between  Erie  and  the  Mississippi.  But  Virginia 
claimed  the  territory  from  the  Atlantic  westw^ard  to 
an  unlimited  extent,  through  which  France  was  erect- 
ing these  forts.  It  was  attempted  to  enforce  this  claim 
by  opposing  the  erection  of  French  forts,  as  at  Le 
Poeuf  and  Pittsburgh,  in  which  attempt  Washington 
commenced  his  military  career,  and  Braddock  was 
defeated  and  slain. 

Nova  Scotia  proper,  then  in  possession  of  the  Eng- 
lish, extended  westward  from  the  Strait  of  Canso 
to  Cape  Sable.  There  were  two  forts  in  it,  garrisoned 
by  two  companies  of  English  soldiers  ;  one  at  the 
mouth  of  the  strait,  on  an  island  called  Canso,  and 
the   other  on  the   north   side,  in  the  Bay  of  Fundy, 


Per 


to 

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Bru 

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dani 


SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


47 


;he 
Ind 
|dy, 


called  Port  Royal  or  Annapolis.  Such  is  a  brief 
sketch  of  the  history  and  relative  positions  of  the 
places  that  were  now  to  become  the  field  of  military 
operations. 

The  commander  at  Louisburg,  on  hearing  that  war 
was  declared,  immediately  despatched  an  armed  force 
of  nine  hundred  men  to  Canso  Island,  and  captured 
the  garrison,  and  conveyed  the  prisoners  to  Louisburg, 
before  news  of  the  declaration  of  war  had  reached 
Boston.  Another  expedition  was  directed  in  like  man- 
ner against  the  Englisii  fort  at  Annapolis.  But  Gov- 
ernor Shirley,  in  anticipation  of  hostilities,  liad  sent  a 
reinforcement  from  Boston,  which  arrived  in  season  to 
strengthen  the  garrison,  and  enable  it  to  repel  the 
assault.  Both  these  expeditions  were  unauthorized  by 
the  French  government,  and  were,  in  fact,  a  violation 
of  positive   orders  to  contrary.     But  the  prospect 

of  victory  seemed  so  certain  that  the  commander  at 
Louisburg  could  not  resist  the  temptation  to  under- 
take them. 

The  Indians  of  Nova  Scotia  assisted  in  these  attacks, 
which  led  to  an  immediate  declaration  of  war  against 
them,  and  all  other  tribes  near  them.  Colonel 
Pepperrell  was  sent,  at  the  head  of  commis-  1744/ 
sioners,  to  the  Penobscot  tribe  of  Indians,  to 
test  tho'ir  fidelity  and  friendship,  and  to  request  the 
Sagamores  to  furnish  their  quota  of  warriors,  according 
to  the  terms  of  a  former  treaty.  His  proposals  were 
answered  by  a  letter  sent  to  Pepperrell  after  his  return 
to  Boston,  stating  that  their  young  men  would  not 
fight  against  their  brethren  of  St.  Johns  and  New 
Brunswick. 

The  colonies  were  now  awakened  to  a  sense  of  their 
danger.     It  was  well  known  that  France  was  making 


m 


!  m 


i  I 


V,  >!(.(!,,  i 


If 


St4 


48 


LIFE   OP   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


w 


formidable  preparations  for  war,  and  that  whatever  was 
done  for  self-preservation  must  be  done  quickly.  There 
was  not  a  moment  to  be  lost. 

Through  the  autumn  of  1744,  it  was  a  general  topic 
of  conversation  in  Boston,  that  Louisburg  must  be 
wrested  from  the  French,  in  order  to  insure  safety  to 
trade  and  navigation,  and  even  to  the  very  existence  of 
the  colonies.  The  prisoners  taken  at  Canso  in  the 
spring,  and  carried  to  Louisburg,  had  been  exchanged, 
and  returned  to  Boston  in  the  autumn.  From  them  an 
accurate  account  of  the  strength  of  the  fortifications  of 
Louisburg  was  obtained,  from  all  which.  Governor 
Shirley  conceived  the  idea  of  taking  the  city  by  sur- 
prise, early  in  the  spring,  before  any  succors  could 
arrive  from  France.  Vaughn,  of  New  Hampshire,  a 
man  of  sanguine  temperament  and  daring  enterprise, 
assisted  in  collecting  information,  and  urged  forward 
the  expedition.  Some  have  said  that  he  proposed 
marching  into  the  city  on  snow-drifts!  Governor 
Shirley  wrote  letters  to  the  ministry,  representing  the 
probability  of  an  attack,  by  the  French,  upon  Nova 
Scotia  early  in  the  spring,  and  asking  for  some  naval 
assistance,  carefully  concealing,  however,  the  real  scope 
and  extent  of  his  plans.  He  also  wrote  to  Commodore 
Warren,  on  the  West  India  station,  to  come  with  his 
squadron  and  cooperate.  Orders  were  accordingly 
despatched,  early  in  January,  to  Warren,  to 
proceed  to  New  England  in  the  spring,  and 
consult  and  cooperate  with  Governor  Shirley  in  pro- 
tecting the  fisheries. 

To  obtain  the  opinion  of  the  General  Court  on  this 
subject,  the  governor,  early  in  January,  requested  its 
members  to  take  an  oath  of  secresy  respecting  a  propo- 
sition he  was   about  to  lay  before   them.     This  was 


1745. 


the 


J;  ;>;( 


this 

its 

Ipo- 

Ivas 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


49 


something  new  in  colonial  legislation,  but  was  com- 
plied with,  and  the  plan  of  attacking  Louisburg  was 
now  submitted  to  their  consideration.  Secrecy  was 
observed  for  some  days,  but  the  afi'air  then  accidentally 
leaked  out.  A  pious  old  deacon,  a  member  of  the 
legislature,  was  so  filled  with  the  matter,  that  he  was 
overheard  at  his  private  devotions,  invoking  heaven  for 
its  smiles  on  the  enterprise.  The  boldness  of  the  pro- 
posal at  first  astonished  every  one.  It  was  referred 
to  a  committee,  who  reported  against  it,  and  thus 
the  whole  affair  was  supposed  to  have  received  its 
quietus. 

But  the  governor  was  not  thus  to  be  defeated.  A 
few  days  after,  he  approached  the  legislature  through  a 
petition  which  he  had  the  address  to  get  signed  by  mer- 
chants in  Boston  and  Salem,  requesting  a  reconsidera- 
tion, and  which  was  referred  to  another  committee,  who 
reported  in  its  favor.  After  two  days*  discussion  the 
question  was  taken,  on  the  26th  of  January,  and  the 
expedition  was  decided  upon  by  a  majority  of  a  single 
vote  in  its  favor,  several  members  who  were  known  to 
be  opposed  to  it  being  absent.  No  sooner,  however, 
was  the  decision  made,  than  great  tmanimity  prevailed 
in  carrying  it  into  effect,  even  among  those  who  were 
before  opposed  to  it.  The  people  became  enthusiastic, 
and  confident  of  success. 

A  variety  of  circumstances  concurred  to  render  the 
expedition  feasible.  Many  fishermen,  who  had  been 
thrown  out  of  employment  by  the  declaration  of  war, 
were  ready  to  enlist  as  soldiers.  The  preceding  season 
had  been  crowned  with  an  abundani.  harvest,  which 
made  provisions  plenty.  The  winter  following  was 
unusually  mild,  the  rivers  and  harbors  were  open,  and 
the  inhabitants  unmolested  by  savages.     A  concurrence 

5 


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if 


ill? 


illl'.; 


iM 


50 


M 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


''O, 


of  happy  incidents,  as  will  presently  appear,  drew  the 
whole  naval  force  of  England,  employed  to  guard  the 
shores  and  islands  of  America,  to  Louisburg,  while 
adverse  circumstances  to  the  French,  prevented  the 
arrival  of  succors  and  supplies  to  the  garrison,  that 
were  due  from  France,  which  created  discontent  and  a 
spirit  of  insubordination  among  the  soldiers.  A  ship 
of  the  line  that  was  intended  to  bring  supplies  of  pro- 
visions and  munitions  of  war  in  the  autumn,  was 
broken  in  launching,  and  her  place  could  not  be  sup- 
plied in  time  to  reach  Louisburg  until  the  British 
squadron  had  blockaded  the  port,  and  was  able  to  cap- 
ture all  vessels  bound  thither. 

It  was  supposed  that  a  force  of  four  thousand  men, 
with  such  a  fleet  as  the  provinces  could  raise,  would  be 
able  to  compel  a  surrender  of  the  place ;  and  if  it 
failed  in  this,  it  could  at  least  recover  Canso  and  fortify 
Annapolis  in  Nova  Scotia,  destroy  the  French  fisheries, 
and  lay  waste  all  the  settlements  on  the  Island  of  Cape 
Breton,  and  probably  capture  many  French  merchant 
vessels.  Circulars  were  addressed  to  the  other  prov- 
inces of  New  England  and  the  Middle  States,  but 
no  one  took  any  part  in  the  expedition  beyond  New 
England.  .■-:■■ 

Each  province,  at  that  time,  maintained  one  or  more 
armed  vessels.  Massachusetts  added  to  her  number. 
Rhode  Island  sent  her  sloop  of  war  with  eighty  seamen. 
New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut  followed  their  exam- 
ple. Edward  Tyng,  who  commanded  a  small  frigate 
of  twenty-four  guns,  was  made  Commodore.  The 
whole  number  of  armed  vessels  was  fourteen,  and  the 
number  of  guns  in  the  provincial  fleet  was  about  two 
hundred  and  four ;  the  whole  number  of  armed  vessels 
and  transports  amounting  to  one  hundred   sail.     The 


bin 


'III; 


SIEOE  AND   CONQUEST  OF   LOUISBURG. 


number  of  troops  voted  was,  by  Massachusetts,  three 
thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty;  by  Rhode  Island, three 
hundred  ;  New  Hampshire,  three  hundred ;  and  Connec- 
ticut, five  hundred. 

A  difficult  task  that  now  presented  itself  was,  the 
appointment  of  a  commander  of  the  expedition.  There 
were  no  experienced  military  officers  in  New  England. 
A  few  had  been  engaged  in  skirmishes  with  Indians, 
but  no  man  was  to  be  found  who  had  actually  served 
in  any  siege  or  pitched  battle.  The  choice  fell  on 
Colonel  William  Pepperrell.  He  was  extensively 
known  throughout  New  England,  was  largely  engaged 
in  the  fisheries,  a  gentleman  of  engaging  manners, 
very  popular  and  wealthy,  and  had  long  held  the 
highest  office  in  the  gift  of  the  people,  that  of 
president  of  the  governor's  council.  His  patriotism 
now  shone  out  with  great  lustre,  for  nothing  but  a  zeal 
for  his  country's  good  could  have  carried  him  from  the 
scenes  of  domestic  enjoyment)  and  extensive  and  lucra- 
tive business,  to  the  fatigues  of  a  camp,  and  the  risks 
of  certain  conflict,  with  doubtful  result. 

He  hesitated  about  accepting  the  appointment  until 
Governor  Shirley  assured  him  that  his  influence  was 
indispensable  as  commander.  He  then  consulted  his 
friends,  and  among  others,  the  famous  itinerant 
preacher,  George  Whitefield,  who  was  then  travelling 
through  New  England,  and  lodged  at  his  liouse. 
Whitefield  told  him  he  "did  not  think  the  scheme 
very  promising;  that  the  eyes  of  all  would  be  upon 
him,  —  that  if  it  should  not  succeed,  the  widows  and 
orphans  of  the  slain  would  reproach  him,  —  and  if  it 
should  succeed,  many  would  regard  him  with  envy, 
and  endeavor  to  eclipse  his  glory,  —  that  he  ought, 
therefore,  to  go  with  a  single  eye,  and  he  would  find 


iff 


II 


■:» 


4 


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52 


LIFE   OF  Silt   WILLIAM   PEPPEURELL. 


!li! 


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'II 


hi»  strength  proportioned  to  his  necessity."  lie  after- 
ward, by  request,  furnished  a  motto  for  the  Hag,  which 
was,  "  Nil  Desperandum^  Christo  Duce"  thereby  giving 
the  expedition  the  air  of  a  crusade.  It  is  said  that 
a  number  of  the  followers  of  Whitefield  enlisted ;  and 
as  a  proof  of  the  prevailing  religious  feeling,  one  of 
them,  a  clergyman,  carried  upon  his  shoulder  a  hatchet, 
for  the  purpose  of  destroying  the  images  in  the  French 
churches. 

Deacon  John  Gray,  of  Biddeford,  writes  to  Pepperrell : 
"  O  that  I  could  be  with  you  and  dear  parson  Moody  in 
that  church,  to  destroy  the  images  there  set  up,  and 
hear  the  true  Gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  there 
preached  !  My  wife,  who  is  ill  and  confined  to  her  bed, 
yet  is  so  spirited  in  the  affair,  on  hearing  of  your  taking 
the  command,  that  she  is  very  willing  all  her  sons 
should  wait  on  you,  though  it  is  outwardly  greatly  to 
our  dami'ge.  One  of  them  has  already  enlisted,  and  I 
know  not  but  there  will  be  more.  She  sends  her  duty 
to  you  and  says,  so  long  as  she  has  life  she  shall  impor- 
tunately pray  for  you." 

Having  decided  to  take  the  command,  he  entered  on 
its  duties,  heart  and  hand,  advanced  five  thousand 
pounds  to  the  province  from  his  own  fortune,  and 
brought  every  influence  to  bear  upon  the  success  of  the 
enterprise.  The  appointment  was  judicious,  for,  though 
a  merchant,  he  possessed  much  military  spirit,  and  was 
well  fitted  to  command  a  militia  composed  of  farmers, 
mechanics,  and  fishermen. 

After  his  nomination.  Governor  Shirley,  probably  for 
the  purpose  of  paying  Governor  Wentworth  of  New 
Hampshire  an  empty  compliment,  and  perhaps  enlist- 
ing him  more  heartily  in  the  cause,  addressed  him  a 
letter  in  which   he   says :  "  It  would   have  been  an 


SIE(»E   AND   CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURO. 


68 


jrs, 

jfor 

jew 

list- 

a 

an 


infiiiito  sntisfaction  to  me,  and  clone  great  honor  to  the 
expedition,  if  your  limbs  would  have  permitted  you  to 
take  the  chief  command,"  undoubtedly  supposing  that 
the  governor'8  gout  would  make  Huch  a  proposition 
safe.  But  in  this  he  was  mistaken.  Wentworth  flung 
away  his  (irutches  and  offered  his  services,  and  Shirley 
had  the  mortification  not  only  to  make  him  an  apology, 
but  to  tell  him  that  any  change  in  the  command  would 
hazard  the  expedition. 

That  the  rapid  enlistment  was  owing  to  the  popu- 
larity of  Colonel  Pepperrcll,  is  evident  from  the  fact 
that  it  was  most  marked  in  the  towns  nearest  to  him. 
Thus,  Berwick,  a  contiguous  town,  and  formerly  a  con- 
stituent part  of  Kittery,  turned  oui  almo>!  in  a  -lass. 
It  contained  only  two  militia  companies  of  aboi:  ,  fifty 
men  each.  Pepperrell,  in  a  letter  to  his  friend  Hill,  of 
Berwick,  writes :  — 

Yesterday  I  heard  that  Captain  Butler  had 
enlisted,  in  Berwick,  nearly  his  fifty  brave  sol-  j^l^'r^^' 
diers.  This  news  is  like  a  cordial  to  me.  Last 
night  I  received  a  letter  from  the  war  committee,  say- 
ing they  thought  there  was  (upon  our  completing  five 
or  six  companies  of  our  brave  county  of  York  men) 
the  full  number  proposed  to  be  enlisted  and  more,  so 
that  there  will  be  a  number  cle  ^'f*d  off,  but  you  may  be 
assured  that  our  brave  county  oi  York  men  shall  not 
be  cleared  off,  unless  they  desire  it.  I  am  sorry  that 
some  of  your  commissioned  officers  of  Berwick  seem 
uneasy,  because  they  had  not  been  offered  a  commis- 
sion in  this  expedition.  I  understood  that  you  spoke 
to  them.  Did  they  expect  me  at  this  time  to  wait  on 
them  ?     If  they  were  inclined  to  go,  it  was  the  duty 

5* 


t-l 


i:     >. 

1:1 


m 


54 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


they  owed  to  God,  their  king  and  country,  to  come 
and  offer  their  services.* 

-  Your  affectionate  friend, 

W.  P. 

P.  S.  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  the  commis- 
sioned officers  in  Berwick  are  as  brave  and  as  good 
men  as  any  in  this  province,  and  would  willingly 
venture  their  lives  with  their  colonel.  Please  to  tell 
them  all  I  sincerely  value  and  love  them,  and  that, 
should  there  be  occasion  for  forces  to  be  sent  after  us,  I 
don't  doubt  in  the  least  but  they  will  be  ready  to  come. 
I  beg  all  their  prayers.      . 

'  During  the  enlistment  great  care  was  taken  to 
prevent  the  enemy  from  hearing  of  the  enterprise. 
No   vessels   were  allowed  to  sail  toward   Louisburg 


*  In  a  letter  dated  eight  days  previous  to  this,  addressed  to  Major 
Hill,  he  says, "  not  one  officer  has  appeared  from  Berwick  to  take 
beating  orders,  which  I  wonder  at.  If  any  of  the  officers  there 
incline  to  go  on  the  intended  expedition,  give  them  the  offer,  begin- 
ning with  the  captains;  let  them  be  with  me  to-morrow."  ;.,  ., 

Williamson.  —  The  militia  of  Maine  in  1 744 :  — 


PepperrelVs  Regiment. 

In  Kittery,       ....    460  men. 

In  York, 860    " 

'In  Wells, 260    •' 

In  Arandel,     . 

In  Biddeford  and  Saco, 

In  Berwick,     . 

In  Phillipstown,    . 


96 
,  120 
.  160 
,    160 

1,665 


Waldd'B  Regiment. 

In  Scarborough,    .      .      .  160  men. 

In  Falmouth,  Portland,      .  600  " 

In  North  Yarmouth,    .      .  150  " 

In  Brunswick,        .      .      .  50  " 

In  Narragansett,  No.  1,      .  20  " 

In  New  Marblehead,    .      .  40  " 

In  Georges  and  Broadbery,  270  " 

In  Pemaquid,  ....  60  '* 

In  Sheepscot,  ....  60  '* 


-Whole  number  in  both  Regiments,  2,866  men. 


1,290 


thi 


/■ 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


m 


(( 
(( 
it 

CI 

1( 


from  any  of  the  colonies,  to  carry  supplies  or  even 
intelligence.  The  proclamation  of  the  governor  to 
enlist  from  the  trainbands  was  accompanied  with  an 
injunction  of  secrecy.  The  orders  to  captains  were,  xo 
read  the  proclamation  to  the  company  at  their  muster, 
and  then  return  it  to  the  sheriff,  who  was  to  send  it  to 
the  governor  and  council,  and  not  allow  any  copies  to 
be  taken. 

The  orders  of  Governor  Shirley  to  the  commander- 
in-chief,  Lieutenant-General  Pepperrell,  (such  was  his 
present  rank,)  were,  to  proceed  with  his  one  hundred 
armed  vessels  and  store  ships,  to  Canso,  there  build  a 
battery  and  block-house,  deposit  his  stores,  and  leave 
two  companies  to  guard  them,  thence  to  sail  with  the 
fleet  and  army  to  Cabarus  Bay,  within  three  miles  of 
Louisburg,  to  arrive  in  the  evening,  to  anchor  under 
covert  of  the  darkness,  forthwith  to  land  his  men,  and 
commence  an  attack  without  delay,  —  a  most  quixotic 
scheme.  A  hundred  sail  of  various  sizes  were  to  arrive 
there  at  a  precise  hour ;  the  weather  and  winds,  even 
in  the  spring  months,  were  all  to  be  favorable;  the 
rocky  ridges  pointing  the  shores,  and  the  ice  and  fog 
which  environed  the  island  at  this  season  were  to  be 
avoided,  a  certain  harbor  to  be  made  under  the  shadows 
of  nightfall,  in  an  unexplored  bay,  and  in  a  particular 
manner ;  a  landing  to  be  effected  there  immediately 
amidst  a  heavy  surf,  and  then  the  soldiery  to  take  up  a 
march,  in  the  dark,  through  a  ra^'ine,  bog,  and  woods, 
and  after  travelling  three  miles  from  the  place  of  land- 
ing, to  commence  pulling  down  pickets  with  grappling- 
irons,  and  mount  walls  thirty  feet  high  with  scaling- 
ladders  ;  and  all  this  in  the  space  of  one  short  night ! ! 

It  was  confidently  expected  by  all  who  had  embarked, 
that  the  West  India  fleet,  under  Commodore  Warren, 


'■% 


'>■  i  i 


56 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


would  accompany  them,  but  on  the  day  before  they 
sailed,  word  was  received  from  him  declining  to  engage. 
This  had  no  influence  on  Pepperrell,  and  it  was  kept 
an  entire  secret  between  Shirley,  General  Wolcott,  and 
himself. 


i 


» -f 


/ 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


CHAPTER   IV. 

Within  eight  weeks  the  provincial  forces  were 
raised,  and  the  entire  preparations  completed,  the 
whole  number  of  troops  being  four  thousand  three 
hundred.  The  only  aid  from  provinces  out  of  New 
England  was,  the  loan  of  ten  eight-pound  cannon  by 
New  York,  and  some  contributions  of  provisions  and 
clothing  by  New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania.  Some  of 
the  armed  vessels  sailed  so  early  as  the  middle  of 
March,  to  cruise  before  Louisburg,  and  cut  off  any  of 
the  enemy's  ships  that  should  attempt  to  enter  that 
port.  The  rest  of  the  fleet  and  transports  collected  at 
Nantasket  Roads.  A  day  of  fasting  and  prayer 
throughout  the  province  was  appointed,  to  invoke 
the  blessing  of  heaven  upon  the  expedition,  and 
an  evening  for  special  prayer  was  set  apart  weekly 
by  many  of  the  churches  of  New  England. 

The  Massachusetts  troops  sailed  on  the  24th  of 
March,  harbored  three  days  at  Sheepscot,  and  arrived 
at  Canso,  the  place  of  general  rendezvous,  on  the  1st 
of  April.  The  New  Hampshire  troops  had  arrived  a 
few  days  previous,  and  those  from  Connecticut  came 
some  ten  days  after.  While  lying  in  Canso,  waiting 
for  the  ice  to  clear,  the  armed  vessels  captured  a  Marti- 
nique vessel  bound  for  Louisburg,  laden  with  rum 
and  molasses.  Soldiers  were  detached  for  making  the 
assault  on   Louisburg,   and  some  were   employed  in 


m 

■  m 

■m 


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F 


58 


LIFE   OP   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


making  cartridges,  and  others  in  erecting  a  block-house 
for  the  defence  of  the  place  and  for  the  reception  of 
sick  and  wounded.  Skirmishes  occurred  on  land,  and 
a  few  French  and  Indians  were  taken  prisoners,  from 
whom  information  respecting  Louisburg  was  obtained. 
On  the  22d  of  April,  the  Eltham,  a  mast  ship  of  forty 
guns,  arrived  frcm  the  Pascataqua,  and  on  the  follow- 
ing day  three  1  irge  ships  appeared  in  the  offing,  which, 
to  the  great  joy  of  all,  proved  to  be  the  squadron  of 
Commodore  Warren.  This  was  unexpected  to  Pep- 
perrell,  who  had  learned,  on  the  day  of  sailing  from 
Boston,  as  before  remarked,  that  Warren  declined  com- 
ing as  requested  by  Shirley.  But  it  seems  that  on  the 
day  following  the  date  of  his  letter,  he  received  orders 
from  England  to  proceed  and  cooperate  with  Shirley 
in  protecting  the  fisheries.  Learning  from  a  vessel  on 
his  way,  that  the  army  had  sailed,  Warren  shaped  his 
course  for  Canso  instead  of  Boston. 

Pepperrell  received  a  note  from  him,  offering  to  pro- 
ceed and  blockade  Louisburg,  to  which  he  returned 
the  following  answer  by  Colonel  Bradstreet :  — 


Camo,  April  23,  1745. 

Commodore  Warren, 

Dear  Sir,  —  I  heartily  congratulate  you  on  your  safe 
arrival  with  your  squadron,  the  advice  of  which,  by 
your  favor  of  this  day,  gives  me  abundant  pleasure.  I 
am  confident  that  nothing  which  the  strictest  vigilance 
and  prudence  can  foresee  or  bravery  execute  will  be 
wanting  on  your  part,  and  doubt  not  you  will  succeed 
in  preventing  the  introduction  of  provisions  and  suc- 
cors into  Louisburg,  and  that  we  shall  soon  have  the 
pleasure  of  a  iheeting  there. 

•■  v..r      w.  P.  . 


/■ 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


On  his  way,  and  before  he  reached  Canso,  Warren 
notified  Governor  Shirley  of  his  orders  from  England, 
to  assist  in  the  expedition,  and  sent  him  a  packet  from 
London,  the  contents  of  which,  Shirley  notices  in  the 
following  letter  to  Pepperrell :  — 


Boston,  April  22,  1745. 

Sir,  —  Since  my  last  I  received  a  pacquet  from  Com- 
modore Warren,  dated  on  board  the  Superbe,  fifteen 
leagues  to  the  eastward  of  Cape  Sables,  in  his  passage 
to  Canso,  with  the  Launceston  and  Mermaid  in  com- 
pany, in  order  to  join  you  in  the  expedition ;  and  I  hope 
he  is  arrived  with  you  before  now.  Inclos'd  in  the 
commodore's  pacquet  I  receiv'd  his  Majesty's  orders 
to  me  respecting  the  attacking  of  the  enemy's  settle- 
ments, a  copy  of  which  I  send  you,  whereby  you  will 
perceive  how  well  disposed  the  ministry  is  toward  our 
present  enterprise,  notwithstanding  they  were  not  par- 
ticularly appris'd  thai;  this  expedition  would  be  set  on 
foot  from  hence.  And  it  gives  us  the  uimost  reason  to 
hone  that  his  Majesty  will  be  pleas'd  to  support  us 
from  England  upon  the  arrival  of  my  letters  there,  giv- 
ing an  aecoiint  of  the  expedition  in  the  manner  we 
desir'd,  which  must  be  an  infinite  satisfaction  to  the 
army.  You  will  perceive,  also,  upon  your  perusal  of 
his  Majesty's  orders  to  me,  that  in  any  attempt  against 
the  enemy's  settlements,  he  has  plainly  given  Captain 
Warren  the  command  of  the  shipping,  or  naval  force, 
with  which  I  am  ordered  to  assist  him  ;  hence,  in  gen- 
eral, upon  any  expedition,  which  you  are  sensible  must 
supersede  any  commission  from  me,  as  to  any  sea  arma- 
ment; and  doubtless  Commodore  Warren  will  expect 
and  insist  upon  the  arm'd  vessels  with  which,  since  my 
receiving  his  Majesty's  orders,  I  am  assisting  him,  in 


•         :. 


'  -m 


■  m 


•  Y?**..- 


LIFE   OP   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


obedience  to  the  royal  commands,  the  command  of 
those  ships,  and  I  doubt  not.  Sir,  from  the  extraordinary 
conduct  and  vigilance  with  which  you  have  hitherto 
acted  for  his  Majesty's  service,  that  you  will  instantly 
give  ordfTS  to  Tyng  and  the  other  cruisers  to  follow  the 
commodore's  directions  and  orders  to  tlicim  ihc  omit- 
ting of  which  may  create  a  most  unhappy  disagreement 
and  variance  between  you  and  Mr.  Warrvjji,  which  iiiay 
prove  fatal  to  the  service.  Had  J  not  r-ceiv'd  these 
precise  orders  from  his  Majesty,  which  so  evidently  give 
Mr.  Warren  a  general  command  at  sea,  in  all  expedi- 
tions from  hence,  I  shoidd  h.av«  insisted  upon  my  co»n- 
maiid  given  you  over  the  sea  forces  (which,  as  i  's,  is 
only  .  nspended  during  Captain  Warren's  presence,  and 
would  n  Vive  vipoi!  his  going  off)  against  every  person 
whatsotv-  r ;  and  you  must  be  sensible  that  this  is  not  a 
prefproiii'e  given  to  him  by  me,  but  only  acting  in  obe- 
dience to  his  Majesty's  orders.  Mr.  Warren  has  left 
orders  for  his  Majesty's  ships  that  shall  arrive  here,  to 
follow  him,  some  of  which  I  expect  daily ;  and  he  has 
also  sent  orders  for  the  Newfoundland  ships  to  join 
him;  so  that  I  hope  in  God  we  shall  have  a  strong 
armament  with  you  soon,  sufficient  to  enter  the  harbor. 
The  Connecticut  forces,  I  hear,  sail'd,  with  a  fair  wind, 
the  middle  of  last  w^eek.  I  received  your  pacquet  from 
Canso  by  Fletcher's  prize,  which  is  safely  arrived  here. 
The  contents  of  your  own.  Brigadier  Waldo's,  and 
Colonel  Bradstreet's  letters,  give  me  the  utmost  satis- 
faction and  pleasure  in  your  good  conduct,  for  which  I 
hope  your  country  will  have  reason  to  bless  you,  and 
the  King  and  Great  Britain  to  make  their  acknowl- 
edgments to  you.  Provisions  for  four  thousand  men 
for  two  months  more,  will  be  sent  tp  you  in  three  days. 
Commodore  Warren*s  heart  seems,  by  his  letter,  to  be 


/ 


SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST   OF   LOUISBURO. 


thoroughly  set  upon  the  reduction  of  this  place.  God 
grant  you  success.  Whatever  you  do,  keep  up  a  constant 
frequent  correspondence  with  him,  and  let  y**  utmost 
harmony  be  preserved  between  you,  as  what  must  (under 
God)  secure  you  success  more  than  any  thing.  You  have 
the  entire  affections,  I  understand  from  Mr.  Waldo  and 
Bradstreet,  of  the  army,  and  their  hearts  entirely, 
together  with  the  perfect  esteem  of,  Sir,  your  faithful 
friend  and  servant, 

W.  Shirley. 

This  letter  was  truly  flattering,  and  well  adapted  to 
inflame  Pepperrell's  zeal  in  the  enterprise.  But  it  would 
reflect  more  honor  on  Shirley's  candor  and  ingenuousness 
were  there  not  evidence  that  he  had  previously  expressed 
in  a  letter  to  Warren  a  preference  for  him  to  take  the 
command,  instead  of  Pepperrell.  Furthermore,  instead' 
of  being  loudest  in  laudation  of  Pepperrell  after  the 
glorious  victory  was  achieved,  as  the  foregoing  letter 
would  seem  to  promise,  he  was,  in  all  his  future  allu- 
sions to  the  conquest,  particularly  meagre  and  parsi- 
monious of  praise,  indicative  of  envy  at  his  success  and 
unbounded  popularity. 

The  ice  that  had  environed  the  shore  and  detained 
them  being  removed,  the  whole  army  embarked  at 
Canso  on  the  29th  of  April,  intending  to  arrive  in'  the 
evening.  A  small  armed  vessel  was  sent  ahead,  to 
frighten  into  port  any  guard-boats  that  might  be  on  the 
look-out  for  an  enemy's  approach.  The  wind  dying- 
away  prevented  their  reaching  Cabarus  Bay,  the  place 
of  landing,  until  eight  o'clock  the  following  morning. 
This  was  the  first  intimation  that  the  garrison  at 
Louisbourg  had  of  the  intended  invasion.  They  had 
discovered  the  ships  of  war  some  days  before,  but  sup- 


Hi 

m 


"111 


62 


LIFE   OP   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


posed  thern  to  be  privateers.  The  secrecy  observed  by 
the  provincials  proved  to  be  judicious,  as  it  enabled 
them  to  surprise  the  garrison ;  which  contributed  more 
to  success  than  any  thing  else,  excepting  the  culpable 
neglect  of  the  French  to  reconnoitre  the  island  of  Cape 
Breton,  and  to  employ  spies  to  watch  the  motions  of 
their  adversary.  They  little  dreamed  of  the  cloud  that 
was  gathering  over  them.  Secure  in  their  imagined 
strength,  they  were  startled  at  the  sight  of  a  numerous 
fleet,  and  now,  for  the  first  time,  knew  that  the  enemy 
was  upon  them.  Confusion  and  alarm  paralyzed  their 
energies. 

No  sooner  were  the  vessels  anchored,  than  boats  were 
hoisted  out  and  filled  with  soldiers,  eager  for  battle,  and 
a  detachment  of  them  pulled  for  White  Point,  under 
cover  of  the  armed  vessels.  An  alarm  was  now  sounded 
by  the  bells  and  cannon  of  the  town.  Captain  More- 
pang  sallied  out  with  two  companies  to  oppose  the 
landing.  Having  drawn  the  enemy  to  White  Point, 
vhe  boats  retreated  a  little,  and  being  joined  by  another 
division  aimed  for  another  place,  two  miles  further 
inland,  where,  under  cover  of  two  arnled  vessels,  they 
effected  a  landing  before  the  French  could  reach  them. 
They  rushed  to  meet  the  approaching  enemy,  and 
killed  six  of  them,  and  captured  otherb  that  were 
wounded,  and  among  them  Captain  Morepang.  The 
remainder  turned  their  backs  and  hastened  to  the  city 
garrison,  burning  all  the  houses  in  their  way.  Half  the 
army  were  landed  that  day,  and  the  remainder,  with 
provisions,  the  two  following  mornings.  They  marched 
toward  the  town,  and  encamped  so  near  that  the 
enemy's  cannon  reached  them,  and  obliged  them  to 
pitch  their  tents  further  off. 

Pepperrell  lost  no  time  in  commencing  the  siege. 


ill 


63 

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BIEOE  AND  CONQUEST   OF   LOUISBURO. 


63 


The  Hame  afternoon,  May  l8t,  he  despatched  Colonel 
Vaughn  with  four  hundred  men  to  the  town  to  recon- 
noitre, who  led  his  troops  through  the  woods  quite  near 
to  the  garrison,  and  gave  three  cheers,  and  at  nightfall 
marched  circuitously  around  Green  Hill,  that  overlooked 
the  garrison,  to  the  north-east  part  of  the  harbor.  Here 
they  set  fire  to  ten  or  twelve  buildings,  including  ware- 
houses, containing  naval  stores  and  a  large  quantity  of 
wine  and  brandy.  The  smoke,  driven  three  fourths  of  a 
mile  toward  the  grand  or  royal  battery,  frightened  the 
enemy,  who  supposed  the  whole  army  was  coming  on 
them  in  that  direction,  and  spiking  the  cannon,  and 
throwing  the  powder  into  a  well,  they  fled  in  boats  to 
the  town,  nearly  a  mile  distant. 

The  next  morning,  Vaughn,  on  his  return  to  camp  in 
company  with  thirteen  men,  not  knowing  of  the  panic 
he  had  occasioned,  crept  to  the  top  of  Green  Hill,  which 
overlooked  the  grand  battery,  for  the  purpose  of  learn- 
ing something  of  its  situation  and  strength.  He  was 
surprised  to  see  that  the  flag  was  gone,  and  that  no 
smoke  issued  from  the  chimneys  of  the  barracks.  He 
hired  one  of  his  party,  a  Cape  Cod  Indian,  to  enter  into 
the  fort  and  open  the  gate.  Vaughn  then  took  posses- 
sion, and  wrote  to  General  Pepperrell :  "  I  entered  the 
royal  battery  about  nine  o'clock,  and  am  waiting  for  a 
reinforcement  and  a  flag."  A  red  coat  was  however 
used  as  a  temporary  substitute,  which  a  soldier  car- 
ried in  his  teeth,  and  nailed  to  the  top  of  the  flag- 
staff. The  French  soon  discovered  their  mistake,  and 
sent  a  hundred  men  in  four  boats  to  retake  the  battery. 
But  Vaughn,  with  his  small  band,  amidst  the  fire  from 
the  city,  alone  upon  the  open  beach  resisted  their  land- 
ing till  he  was  reinforced,  when  the  French,  perceiving 
a  detachment  from  Pepperrell  approaching,  retired  and 


■■i 


!■    I' 


'     I 


'4 


\ 


N\ 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


left  the  English  in  possession  of  the  battery.  This  gal- 
lant exploit  of  Vaughn's  little  band  materially  weak- 
ened the  means  of  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  French, 
and  transferred  to  the  English  a  powerful  means  of 
annoyance  as  enduring  as  the  siege.  The  battery  con- 
tained twenty-eight  forty-two  pound  cannon,  two  eigh- 
teen besides  two  hundred  and  eighty  shells  and  a  large 
rmmber  of  balls,  and  other  munitions  of  war. 

The  French  fired  briskly  upon  the  battery  during  the 
day  (May  2d),  with  cannon  and  mortars,  but  did  no 
damage.  They  began  to  secure  the  low  wall  at  the 
south-east  part  of  the  town,  by  placing  on  it  a  plank 
work  fifteen  feet  high,  and  placing  a  range  of  pickets, 
twenty  feet  high,  outside  of  the  wall,  and  a  number  of 
swivels  on  the  top  of  it. 

Pepperrell  writes  to  Warren  from  Cabarus  Bay,  May 
1st :  "  I  find  it  very  difficult  landing  here,  by  reason  of 
the  great  surf.  Landed  about  two  thousand  men 
yesterday ;  hope  to  get  on  shore  the  remainder,  with  the 
stores  and  some  of  the  artillery  this  day.  As  soon  as 
the  vessels  are  unloaded  I  will  take  care  to  appoint 
some  of  the  most  suitable  to  cruise  between  us.  Shall 
order  a  detachment  to  destroy  the  settlements  eastward 
of  us.  The  brig  which  has  clothing  for  your  men  I 
have  ordered  to  you  immediately.  As  to  a  battery  a^ 
Cabarus  Bay,  which  you  advise,  I  think  we  caniic, 
spare  cannon  nor  rr.en  for  it  at  present,  but  shall  order 
a  sloop  ol  force  to  protect  the  transports  that  may  lay 
there.  I  design,  in  a  few  days,  to  despatch  a  vessel  to 
Boston  for  provisions,  of  whose  sailing  you  shall  have 
timely  notice.  Shall  give  you  information  when  we 
design  an  attack,  that  you  may  favor  the  same.  Yes- 
terday a  party  of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  of  the 
enemy  made  a  sally  from  the  garrison  to  annoy  our 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST   OF   LOUISBURG. 


65 


landing,  who  were  well  received  by  those  of  our  party 
who  first  landed.  We  killed  seven  or  eight  and 
wounded  as  many  more  that  were  taken  prisoners 
without  loss  of  any,  and  only  one  or  two  wounded. 
The  enemy  burnt  the  houses  between  the  town  and 
battery.  Our  troops  are  in  fine  spirits,  and  I  hope  soon 
to  give  them  a  time  for  a  general  push.  I  am  much 
obliged  to  you  for  the  offer  of  wine.  We  are  now 
marching  through  the  woods  in  order  to  encamp." 

May  2d.  —  To  Commodore  Warren  :  "  We  are  land- 
ing our  stores.  I  have  to  give  you  the  agreeable  news 
that  we  have,  this  morning,  taken  possession  of  the 
Grand  or  Royal  battery,  which  the  enemy  had  deserted. 
A  woman,  taken  in  the  grand  battery,  says  the  explo- 
sion of  powder  there  yesterday,  was  a  number  of 
swivel  guns  fired  into  the  aii.  Pray  excuse  my  not 
being  particular,  being  in  the  open  air,  destitute  of  all 
conveniences  for  writing." 

May  4th.  —  To  Commodore  Warren :  "  I  agree  with 
you  that  it  will  be  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  get 
possession  of  the  island  battery,  which  I  propose  to  do 
after  the  battering  cannon  and  mortars  are  ready  to 
play  on  the  town,  shall  be  glad  of  the  assistance  of 
your  boats  and  what  men  you  can  spare,  and  think  it 
will  be  best  for  your  ships  to  draw  off  from  the  mouth 
of  the  harbor  leaving  the  boats  and  men  to  join  ours. 
I  imagine  they  will  not  apprehend  an  attack  by  boats 
and  will  draw  their  force  chiefly  into  town,  to  repel  our 
attack  on  the  back  of  it,  which  I  tshall  make  a  feint  of 
doing.  I  congratulate  you  on  the  capture  of  the 
French  armed  ship,  a  privateer.  I  think  it  may  be 
of  service  to  arm  some  of  your  schooners  with  her^ 
guns."  -,*.....',•  H  -■■■' 

Councils  of  war  were  organized  in  the  fleet  and  in 

6* 


5  >i. 


'.pi 
"I 


Si 


It 


'' 


I   i 


66 


v\ 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


the  army,  at  whose  meetings  the  commanders  preside 
and   communicated   to   each   other,  almost  daily,  the 
decisions  of  their  respective  boards,  by  letter,  and  fre- 
quently by  person,  in  their  reciprocal  visits. 

The  first  battery  erected  by  Pepperrell  was  one 
thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  the  north- 
west bastion,  on  Green  Hill.  The  second  was  six  hun- 
dred yards  nearer,  w^here  mortars  were  brought  to  play 
upon  the  town,  on  the  5th  of  May.  The  other  cannon 
at  the  Grand  battery,  which  had  been  spiked,  were  by 
this  time  drilled  and  returning  the  brisk  fire  of  the 
enemy.  But  it  required  fourteen  days  and  nights  to 
drag  all  the  cannon  and  munitions  of  war,  brought  in 
the  fleet,  from  the  landing  through  the  morass  to  the 
batteries,  which  were  successively  erected  in  the  night 
season,  the  third  one  being  within  seven  hundred  yards 
of  the  city.  The  island  batteries,  as  well  as  those  of 
the  city,  were  constantly  in  full  play  upon  Pepperrell's 
batteries. 

On  the  7th  of  May,  Pepperrell  and  Warren  sent  a 
flag  to  demand  a  surrender  of  the  fortress  to  the  British 
army,  which  returned  with  an  answer  that  their  reply 
would  be  at  the  cannon's  mouth.  There  wa^a  suspen- 
sion of  cannonading  on  both  sides  while  the  flag  was  in 
the  city,  but  on  its  return,  at  5  p.  m.,  firing  was  renewed, 
:and  more  briskly  than  ever,  and  a  fourth  fascine 
battery  was  commenced  within  two  hundred  and  fifty 
yards  of  the  west  gate.  It  was  now  proposed,  by 
Warren,  to  storm  the  island  battery  in  the  night,  and 
for  this  purpose  volunteers  were  raised  from  the  army 
and  transports.  It  was  not  a  favorite  project  with  the 
army,  many  of  the  war  council  deeming  it  too  hazard- 
ous and  d(*sperate,  though  Pepperrell  favored  it.  Prep- 
arations were,  however,  made  three  successive  nights, 


SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


67 


May  8,  9,  10,  to  embark  for  the  purpose,  but  fogs  or 
boisterous  winds  prevented.  A  sortie  was  made  from 
the  city  on  the  8th,  which  the  provincials  repulsed. 

May  9.  — "  Advised  unanimously  that  the  town  of 
Louisburg  be  attacked  by  storm  this  night  with  all  the 
vigor  possible." 

In  the  afternoon  it  W3s  advised  that  "  inasmuch  as 
there  appears  a  great  dissatisfaction  in  many  of  the 
officers  and  soldiers  at  the  designed  attack  of  the  town 
by  storm  this  night,  and  as  it  may  be  attended  with 
very  ill  consequences,  if  it  should  not  be  executed 
with  the  greatest  vigor  whenever  attempted,  the  said 
attack  of  the  town  be  deferred  for  the  present,  or  until 
the  cannon  are  all  mounted  and  in  full  play,  and  the 
enemy  more  reduced  by  the  siege." 

May  11.  —  "Advised  that  the  battery  began  at  the 
w*est  part  of  the  town  be  completed  with  all  possible 
expedition,  and  eight  twenty-two  pound  cannon  be 
mounted  there." 

To  Governor  Shirley,  he  writes  a  particular  nar- 
rative of  all  that  had  transpired  since  his  last,  and 
his  future  purposes,  and  adds,  "  I  have  delivered 
Commodore  Warren  his  inclosed  packets."  Referring 
to  Shirley's  letter  of  April  22cL  ne  says :  "  What  relates 
to  that  gentleman  (Warren)  is  perfectly  agreeable  to 
me.  I  shall,  on  all  occasions,  be  fond  of  the  assistance 
and  advice  of  that  gen  ]<  man,"  etc.,  etc.  "I  had,  be- 
fore the  receipt  of  yours,  directed  Tyng,  with  the  other 
armed  vessels,  to  attend  to  the  orders  of  the  Commo- 
dore, and  strictly  obey  them,"  .   . 

"I  make  no  doubt  of  his  Majesty's  entire  approba- 
tion of  your  conduct  in  setting  on  foot  the  expedition, 
and  will  support  it,  but  hope  we  shall  succeed  without 
his  further  assistance.     I  think  it  would  be  fruitless  to 


!    I 


H 


4f    j 


68 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


send  to  Annapolis  for  any  of  their  strength  at  a  time 
when  they  may  apprehend  themselves  in  danger  of  a 
siege.  Col.  Moulton  has  joined  us  with  the  detach- 
ment sent  to  St.  Peters,  having  destroyed  that  settle- 
ment and  taken  some  plunder  and  prisoners,  burnt  four 
schooners  and  brought  off  one,  with  the  loss  of  one 
killed  and  one  wounded.  The  greatest  part  of  the 
inhabitants  escaped.  Have  also  advice  from  Captain 
Donahew,  returned  from  Bay  Verte,  in  going  up  the 
Strait  of  Canso,  he  met  with  a  party  of  Indians.  Upon 
which  Captains  Jaques  and  Hannaford,  with  their 
companies  going  on  shore,  though  contrary  to  orders, 
the  former  was  killed  and  the  other  wounded.  The 
Indians  were  beat  off  without  other  loss  on  our  part. 
In  the  Bay  Verte,  he  took  two  small  vessels  that 
were  empty,  the  others  were  hauled  up  where  he  could 
not  come  at  them.  He  burnt  some  houses  and  birch 
canoes,  and  returned.  I  find  Cabarus  Bay  a  fine 
harbor  for  the  transports.  We  have  determined  to 
encamp  regularly,  near  the  north-east  harbor,  and 
throw  up  a  battery  there  in  which  to  mount  the  New 
York  train  of  artillery,  and  some  of  the  guns  from  the 
grand  battery,  to  support  and  repair  it,  which  may  be 
done  in  such  a  manner  that  two  hundred  men  may 
defend  it  against  two  thousand,  and  with  that  and  the 
other  proposed  battery,  tc  command,  the  harbor  against 
any  thing  that  will  attempt  to  get  in ;  and  by  posting 
two  regiments  to  protect  the  batteries  in  the  rear,  we 
shall  cut  off  all  communication  by  land  with  the  city. 
As  it  has  been  judged  advisable  not  to  storm  the  town 
at  present,  and  as  reinforcements  are  expected  from 
France  and  from  Canada  that  may  find  means  to  get 
in,  we  require  one  thousand  more  men  and  another 
large   mortar.     Shall   send  up  fourteen   transports   for 


SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST   OF   LOUISBURG. 


them,  and  at  the  same  time  send  up  the  prisoners  we 
have  taken." 

May  12.  —  To  Commodore  Warren :  "  We  are  all 
much  obliged  to  you  for  writing  to  the  several  govern- 
ments of  the  southern  colonies  for  aid.  We  are  com- 
pleting the  battery  on  the  west  ])art  of  the  town,  hope 
it  will  be  ready  to  play  to-morrow.  It  gives  me 
concern  that  you  have  reason  to  complain  of  your 
men's  hurting  themselves  with  liquor  when  on  shore, 
as  my  positive  orders  have  been  to  prohibit  such 
practices.  I  will  order  strict  inquiry  to  be  made  relat- 
ing to  their  arms,  and  if  you  should  think  proper  to 
have  them  on  shore  again  to  assist  in  any  attack, 
I  will  endeavor  effectually  to  hinder  disorders  of  that 
kind."  He  applies  for  three  or  four  gunners  from  the 
Commodore. 

May  13.  —  "I  am  now  ordering  out  all  the  stores 
from  eighteen  transports,  to  send  them  for  more 
recruits.  I  cannot  presume  to  advise  in  re'gard  to 
your  squadron ;  as  to  our  cruisers,  am  glad  to  have 
them  under  your  direction.  Am  much  obliged  to  yoa 
for  the  gunners  sent  us." 

To  Warren  he  writes :  "  I  observe  your  news  by  the 
prize,  of  the  arrival  of  French  ships  of  war,  and  hope 
we  shall  be  able  to  give  them  a  welcome.  I  will  send 
you  three  schooners  as  soon  as  their  stores  are  landed, 
and  despatch  one  to  Newfoundland  to  carry  your 
orders.  The  captain-general,  Shirley,  orders  me  'to 
destroy  the  houses  within  two  leagues  of  Louisburg.'" 

Same  day.  —  ''I  have  not  a  blue  flag  to  use  as  a 
signal  to  you  of  all  being  well,  but  shall  hoist  a  union 
flag,  which  please  to  answer  with  a  Dutch  flag  at  mast- 
head. I  have  given  express  orders  to  the  masters  of 
the  transports  not  to  hoist  any  flag.     The  unaccount- 


■*|  'i 


\  itf, 


''\- 


li  '  \ 


!   1 


ii 


t  is- 


70 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILJJAM  PEPPERRELL. 


able  behavior  of  these  fellows  and  some  marauders,  is 
the  greatest  vexation  I  meet  with ;  hope  to  reduce  them 
to  better  discipline  soon.  I  now  send  you  out  a  fifth 
schooner  to  attend  you,  the  master  of  which.  New- 
march,  is  acquainted  with  the  harbors  round  the  island ; 
have  also  sent  out  three  schooners  to  fish ;  shall,  in  a 
day  or  two,  send  a  schooner  to  Canso  and  Boston 
with  the  prisoners.  Thank  you  for  the  claret  and 
lemons  and  repeated  kind  offers.  "We  have  had  con- 
siderable success  hitherto,  having  cleared  three  forty- 
twos  at  the  grand  battery,  and  have  done  some  execu- 
tion, lodging  several  shot  in  the  citadel;  the  mortars 
and  some  cohorns  throw  into  the  town  in  most  in- 
stances." 

On  the  13th  a  French  snow  or  brig,  from  Bordeaux, 
succeeded  in  entering  the  harbor,  the  night  being  dark 
and  stormy,  and  this  was  the  only  vessel,  out  of  at 
least  a  dozen,  that  was  able  to  elude  the  vigilance 
of  the  fleet  during  the  siege,  the  others  being  all 
captured.  The  provincials  took  advantage  of  the 
same  darkness  and  storm  to  send  in  a  fire-ship,  which 
exploded  and  did  some  damage  to  the  shipping  and 
city  wall. 

May  15.  —  To  Commodore  Warren :  "  Am  pleased 
to  hear  yoi  have  destroyed  Nigonish  and  St.  Anns, 
which  must  distress  the  enem^.  Expect  soon  to  have 
two  batteries  finished,  one  within  two  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  of  the  west  gate  uith  four  forty-two 
pounders  and  two  eigh teens.  We  have  had  two 
of  our  twenty-two  pounders  burst,  by  which  accident 
several  of  our  men  were  wounded.  One  of  your 
gunners  has  lost  a  leg.  Have  ordered  a  flag  to  be 
hoisted  at  the  light-house,  and  shall,  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, send  Col.  Bradstreet  to  throw  up  a  battery  there. 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


71 


There  was  an  attempt  made  from  the  grand  battery, 
the  night  before  last,  to  burn  the  snow  which  had  no 
other  effect  than  to  alarm  the  town.  The  fire  from  the 
island  and  towri*  batteries  drove  our  men  from  their 
guns  and  killed  one  and  wounded  several." 

May  16.  —  "Has  ordered  diligent  search  for  things 
his  men  lost  on  shore.  Yesterday  we  gave  the  west 
gate  about  one  hundred  shot  from  our  fascine  battery. 
The  heavy  cannon  will  be  removed  from  the  grand 
battery  here  to-night." 

In  a  long  letter  to  Governor  Wentworth  on  what 
he  had  done,  he  concludes  by  saying  :  "  I  hope 
that,  under  God,  we  shall  soon  be  masters  of  this 
island,  and  that  I  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  writing 
you  from  within  the  walls  of  Louisburg." 

On  the  15th  of  May,  the  fourth  fascine  battery,  called 
Titcomb's,  was  raised,  and  mounted  with  heavy  guns, 
drawn  from  the  grand  battery,  which  did  great  execu- 
tion. Next  day,  thirty  large  cannon  were  found  under 
water  near  the  light-house,  and  a  regiment  was  sent  to 
raise  and  mount  them  on  a  battery,  as  soon  as  one  could 
be  constructed.  The  following  night  one  hundred 
Frenchmen  embarked  in  boats  to  attack  the  party,  but 
were  repulsed  with  the  loss  of  one  man  on  each  side. 
On  the  night  of  the  18th,  the  new  fascine  battery  was 
opened  within  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  west 
gate,  which  soon  demolished  it,  and  perforated  the  wall. 
Several  were  killed  on  the  wall  and  in  the  battery  by 
musketry;  one  man,  venturing  outside,  received  five 
wounds  from  a  volley  aimed  at  him  from  the  wall. 
Even  conversation  was  carried  on  between  the  opposing 
soldiers,  and  on  one  occasion  it  lasted  half  an  hour,  the 
Provincial  speaking  in  French  and  the  Frenchman  in 


\'IM 


if:    )!■: 


w& 


72 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


I  I 


English,  and  each  inviting  the  other  to  breakfast  and  a 
glass  of  wine. 

To  Governor  Shirley  he  writes  :  "  It  is  with  the 
utmost  pleasure  I  observe  the  receptioTi  which  the  news 
of  this  expedition  has  given  to  his  Majesty  and  the 
ministry  at  home,  and  hope  soon  to  give  them  intelli- 
gence of  its  favorable  issue.  The  R.  Island  sloop  of  war 
has  just  taken  a  brig  from  France,  laden  with  provisions 
for  Louisburg,  and  informs  us  that  four  large  ships 
and  three  of  thirty  guns  each  may  be  hourly  expected  here 
from  France.  Am  just  informed  by  Captain  Rouse  that 
a  French  ship  of  sixty-four  guns  was  met  yesterday  by 
him  and  the  Mermaid,  and  engaged  her  till  dark,  and  that 
the  Commodore  approached  at  seven  o'clock.  I  fear  she 
escaped  in  the  fog.  As  the  enemy  will  hold  out  to  the 
last,  please  to  send  us  more  cannon  powder." 

On  the  20th,  Warren  announces,  by  letter,  his  capture 
of  the  Vigilant,  a  sixty-four  gun  ship,  having  six  hun- 
dred men,  and  laden  with  military  stores,  and  requests 
aid  in  disposing  of  the  prisoners  among  the  transports ; 
to  which  Pepperrell,  after  congratulating  him  on  his 
success,  replies,  "  As  we  have  already  manned  Rouse  out 
of  our  transports,  and  there  being  not  more  than  four 
men  in  each,  they  can  be  of  no  great  security  to  pris- 
oners, unless  they  are  put  in  irons,  in  which  case  some 
may  be  sent  in  the  Rhode  Island  Snow  and  by  Smith- 
hurst,  which  Governor  Shirley  orders  hence  to  guard 
the  coast  of  New  England.  The  capture  of  the  Vigi- 
lant produced  a  burst  of  joy  in  the  army,  and  animated 
them  with  fresh  courage  to  persevere." 

Same  day  he  writes  to  Warr»?n  :  "  I  shall  send  off  four 
of  the  transports,  t-^  be  improved  by  you  for  fire-ships, 
if  you  think  proper.   Shall  order  others  fitted  in  the  har- 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


73 


'IV 


bor  and  every  preparation  made  at  the  grand  battery. 
We  have  continued  our  fire  upon  the  west  gate,  but  have 
split  one  of  our  forty-twos.  I  am  desirous  of  a  general 
consultation  as  soon  as  possible,  in  order  to  determine 
upon  a  speedy  and  vigorous  attack  with  our  united 
forces."  Same  day,  he  returns  thanks  to  the  war  com- 
mittee for  a  plentiful  supply  of  provisions,  and  particu- 
larly for  refreshments  for  his  own  table ;  refers  them  to 
th<^  governor  for  account  of  progress,  not  having  time  to 
write,  and  calls  for  shoes  and  stockings  and  other  cloth- 
ing for  the  men. 

[To  Commodore  Warren.] 

Camp,  May  17,  1745. 

Sir, —  Yours  of  yesterday's  and  this  day's  date  I 
received,  and  observe  the  contents  with  grateful  pleas- 
ure ;  particularly  I  note  your  prudent  and  great  thought- 
ful ness  to  bring  to  a  happy  issue  the  affair  before  us,  of 
so  much  consequence  to  our  king  and  nation,  and  the 
northern  colonies  in  particular.  It  is  my  great  concern 
that  our  progress  against  our  enemies  on  shore  is  so  slow; 
but  when  the  difficulties  of  attacking  the  island  battery 
are  duly  considered,  there  being  but  critical  moments  in 
which  it  can  possibly  be  done  with  hopes  of  success, 
also  the  difficulty  of  scaling  walls  without  a  breach  by 
undisciplined  troops ;  of  landing  our  cannon  in  so  bad  a 
harbor,  of  getting  them  convey'd  on  such  bad  grounds 
in  the  face  of  our  enemy's  fire,  while  we  cannot  annoy 
them  at  all,  and  a  general  illness  through  the  army ; 
these  and  such  like  things  considered,  I  hope  your 
patience  will  not  tire.  The  probability  of  the  speedy 
arrival  of  a  French  sea  force  I  duly  consider,  but  I  hope 
the  best,  and  nothing  in  my  power  shall  be  wanting 
towards  the  greatest  despatch  and  most  vigorous  attack . 

7 


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74 


w 


LIFE   OP  SIR   WIT^ilAM   PEPPERUELL. 


Your  plan  I  have  this  day  laid  before  my  council.  As 
the  main  part  of  the  forces  are  engaged  to  get  forward  a 
number  of  tue  cannon  at  the  grand  battery,  against  tiie 
west  gate,  to  be  mounted  by  to-morrow  uu  rning  if  pos- 
sible, the  good  effects  of  which  I  hope  soon  to  advise 
you  of,  a  due  consideration  thereof  is  referred  till  to- 
morrow morning,  ten  o'clock.  At  present  can  only  say 
that  the  attack  of  the  island  battery  or  town  will,  as  I 
think,  certainly  and  speedily  be  effected ;  and  I  hope  to 
good  purpose.  Your  prudence  and  good  conduct  in  the 
disposition  of  your  ships  I  cannot  question,  my  own 
judgment  I  cannot  but  mistrust,  yet  am  doubtful 
whether  your  ships  going  all,  or  most  of  them  i'lto 
Cabarus  Bay,  as  you  propose,  will  be  of  good  conse- 
quence. In  dark  and  foggy  weather  your  cruisers  may 
at  sea  meet  witl  the  king's  enemies  to  our  advant-xge, 
but  the  weather  that  will  be  good  to  carry  them  into 
Louishurg,  will  keep  your  vessels  in  that  bay,  however 
early  year  notice  of  their  approach.  Excuse  my  free- 
dom v]ii\\\  myself  or  some  of  my  council  wait  upon  you 
to-aiorrow,  and  I  hope  to  be  able  to  settle  the  needful 
points.  Yours,  etc., 

-  1      W.  P. 


f 


I  I 


[To  Commodore  Warren.] 

Camp,  May  20,  1745.        , 

Sir, — -Yours  of  }osterday  I  received  this  morning, 
and  immediately  ordered  Saunders  to  send  off  four  of 
the  transports  with  wood  and  water,  two  of  which,  or 
all  of  them  to  be  improved  for  fire-ships,  if  you  think 
proper.  I  observe  the  information  you  have  of  a 
French  fleet,  and  have  just  received  a  letter  from  Capt. 
Rouse  giving  account  of  your  having  met  a  large 
French  ship,  whose  fate  I  impatiently  wait  to  hear  of, 


SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


/ 

75 


as  it  is  probable  she  is  one  of  that  fleet,  —  imagine 
that  if  she  has  escaped  yon,  she  will  endeavor  to  join 
the  others,  which  I  hope  will  fall  into  your  hands.  I 
shall  order  some  vessels  to  be  fitted  for  iire-ships  in  the 
harbor  forthwith,  and  all  the  preparation  possible  to  be 
made  at  the  Royal  battery.  We  have,  since  my  last, 
continued  our  fire  on  the  enemy  from  the  west  gate 
battery,  which  has  shattered  the  wall  considerably,  but 
we  were  so  unfortn  last  night  as  to  split  one  of  the 

forty-two  pound  desirous  of  a  general  con- 

sultation  as   soon  ule,  in  order  to  determine 

a  speedy  and  vigoiv/us  attack  with  our  united  force. 
Our  men  sicken  apace,  great  numbers  are  now  unfit  for 
service.  Yours,  etc., 

W.  P. 

[To  Governor  Shirlcy.l 

Camp  before  Louiaburg,  May  20. 

Inclosed  herewith  is  a  copy  of  my  last  by  Captain 
Ben  net  who  sailed  on  the  12th  instant.  We  have 
to  inform  you  that  notwithstanding  the  incredible 
difficulty  in  transporting  the  artillery,  etc.,  over  bogs, 
morasses,  and  rocky  hills,  we  have,  by  indefatigable 
industry,  got  our  train  of  twenty-two  pounders  mounted 
at  a  battery  on  the  west  of  the  town  some  days  since, 
from  which,  with  the  cohorns  and  mortars,  we  annoy 
the  enemy  considerably.  But  those  cannon  prove 
very  bad,  two  of  them  are  burst,  and  two  others  broken 
by  the  enemy'H  shot.  We  have  also,  two  nights  since, 
with  the  utmost  difficulty,  thrown  up  a  fascine  battery 
within  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  west  gate, 
and  planted  in  it  two  forty-twos  and  two  eighteens 
from  the  Royal  battery,  which  have  beat  down  the 
drawbridge  with  part  of  the  west  gate  and  some  of 


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76 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


the  adjoining  wall.  We  have  since,  split  one  of  the 
forty-twos,  and  the  enemy  are  using  their  utmost  to 
drive  us  from  that  battery.  The  want  of  gunners 
occasions  us  great  difficulty,  two  of  which  are  killed 
and  a  third  has  lost  a  leg.  I  have  employed  all  I  can 
find  capable  of  that  service,  and  have  promised  them 
liberal  rewards  in  case  of  their  good  behavior.  Capt. 
Gay  ton  is  not  arrived.  We  shall  soon  want  the 
powder  he  has  for  us,  and  must  pray  your  care  for  a 
further  supply  as  soon  as  possible,  in  order  to  our  mak- 
ing progress  against  the  enemy,  especially  as  the  forty- 
twos,  on  which  we  depend,  consume  immense  quanti- 
ties, our  twenty-twos  proving  bad,  and  the  New  York 
train  not  yet  arrived. 

Captain  Rouse  anived  here  with  all  the  supplies 
you  sent  under  his  convoy,  v^hicli  is  very  animating  to 
the  army.  Commodore  TVa,rren  daily  expects  four 
men-of-war  from  Newfoundland.  Two  of  his  ships 
have  taken  a  large  vessel  laden  with  provisions  and 
stores  for  this  place,  and  twenty-seven  men.  We  learn 
from  her  that  four  ships  of  war  and  two  frigates  are  at 
Brest,  said  to  be  destined  for  Louisburg.  He  has 
sent  and  burnt  forty  houses  at  St.  Anns  and  Nigonish, 
and  as  many  vessels. 

A  French  snow  got  into  Louisburg  with  provisions. 
She  approached  in  the  fog  unseen,  and  in  spite  of  our 
cannon,  anchored  under  the  walls,  the  town  and  island 
batteries  firing  furiously  at  the  time  on*  the  grand 
battery.  We  have  discovered  thirty  cannon  in  the  east 
harbor,  at  low-water-mark,  which  will  be  mounted 
there  as  soon  as  possible.  Have  hoisted  an  English 
flag  at  the  light-house,  and  posted  a  regiment  there 
and  guard-boats  to  intercept  supplies  from  entering 
town  by  night.     A  party  of  about  one  hundred  men 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURQ. 


77 


crossed  over  from  the  town  to  cut  off  the  guard  posted 
at  the  light-house,  but  were  repulsed  with  the  loss  of 
one  of  their  soldiers  wounded.  The  general  expresses 
regret  that  he  has  made  no  further  progress,  "  which  is 
partly  attributable  to  undisciplined  troops  and  sickness 
among  them,"  adding,  "  I  design  to  consult  Commodore 
Warren  as  soon  as  possible  on  measures  for  a  steady 
and  vigorous  push." 

May  24.  —  Warren  sends  to  Pepperrell  the  opinion 
of  his  navy  council  respecting  a  bold  attack  upon  the 
town.  "  That  all  his  Majesty's  ships  and  all  the  colony 
cruisers,  except  two,  with  the  schooners  and  transports, 
go  into  the  harbor  and  attack  the  town  and  batteries 
with  the  utmost  rigor,  with  his  Majesty's  ships,  in  such 
order  of  battle  as  shall  be  agreed  on,  and  that  all  the 
unarmed  vessels  anchor  in  the  north-east  harbor,  out  of 
gunshot;  taking  the  boats  of  his  Majesty's  ships  and 
colony  cruisers,  excepting  one  yawl  to  each,  under  their 
care,  to  prevent  their  being  shot  to  pieces  by  the  enemy, 
and  to  be  ready  upon  a  signal  made  by  me  to  bring 
them  and  all  the  whale-boats  and  others,  with  all  the 
men  in  every  vessel  armed,  on  board  his  Majesty's 
ships,  and  colony  cruisers,  on  the  off  side  from  the 
enemy,  in  order  to  land  them,  if  necessary,  or  to  go  on 
any  other  service;  and  the  better  to  enable  the  ships 
of  war  to  execute  this  service,  we  think  the  general 
should  send  on  board  of  his  Majesty's  ships,  one  thou- 
sand six  hundred  men,  six  hundred  of  them  to  be  put 
on  board  the  Vigilant,  the  remaining  thousand  to  be 
distributed  into  the  rest  of  the  ships  of  war,  as  shall 
be  thought  proper,  by  the  commander  of  his  Majesty's 
ships ; "  that  the  marines  be  landed  under  the  com- 
mand of  Col.  McDonald  to  head  the  first  attack,  "  not 

7* 


/ 


78 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


doubting  of  his  being  effectually  sustained  by  your 
men,  and  that  the  said  troops  approach  as  near  as  Col. 
McDonald  shall  judge  proper,  in  order  to  attack  when 
the  commodore  makes  a  signal.'' 

This  plan,  the  reader  will  perceive,  was  calculated  if 
not  intended  to  secure  to  Warren  the  supreme  com- 
mand of  both  land  and  naval  forces,  and  to  leave  Pep- 
perrell  a  mere  cypher. 

May  26.  —  Pepperrell  writes  to  Warren :  "  Yours  of 
24th  I  received  yesterday  with  the  plan  of  operation 
proposed  by  yourself  and  council,  for  attacking  Louis- 
burg,  and  now  inclose  the  determination  of  my 
council.  Our  batteries  continue  to  shatter  the  wall 
near  the  west  gate  and  near  the  circular  battery,  —  am 
in  hopes  to  dismount  the  cannon  which  may^  most 
annoy  the  entry  of  the  ships,  by  the  time  the  Vigilant 
is  ready  to  join  you.  I  have  not  given  up  hopes 
-of  attacking  the  island  battery  as  soon  as  the  sea  will 
permit.  I  flatter  myself  you  will  think  the  inclosed 
reasons  of  my  council  for  the  landsmen  not  coming  on 
board  your  ships  are  of  weight.  The  sea  forces  and 
transports  are  entirely  at  your  disposal.  Have  ordered 
•carpenters  to  assist  in  fitting  the  Vigilant,  ar  ssist- 
ance  to  secure  the  prisoners.  Opportunity  tc  .  .^nsult 
with  you  is  precarious.  I  wish  if  possible  we  may 
unite  our  councils  on  some  plan  for  i  speedy  attack 
upon  the  town  as  soon  as  your  ships  can  be  got  ready 
therefor.  We  have  many  men  sick  from  fatigue  and 
hardships.  As  French  and  Indians  are  expected,  I 
.have  ordered  out  scouts  to  make  discoveries." 

The  objections  of  Pepperrell's  council  to  Warren's 
plans  are,  that ''  the  Indians  might  come  in  upon  our 
backs,  while  the  troops  are  on  board,  and  attack  what 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


79 


forces  remain  in  the  camp  and  the  hospitals ;  that  the 
army  is  greatly  reduced  by  sickness  and  unfitted  to 
land  from  the  fleet,  and  that  if  the  advance  ship  Vigi- 
lant, that  is  to  be  manned  with  them,  should  miscarry, 
the  whole  enterprise  would  fail  and  be  disastrous  to  the 
colonies.  They  therefore  propose,  in  lieu  of  this  plan, 
that  a  general  attack  be  made  upon  the  town  by  the 
land  and  naval  forces  forthwith,  and  to  this  end,  that 
five  hundred  men  be  inipressed  from  the  cruisers  and 
transports,  to  embark  in  the  Vigilant,  and  that  the 
other  large  ships  follow  her  into  the  harbor  under  the 
commodore's  directions,  —  that  five  hundred  men  put 
off  in  boats  from  the  grand  battery  at  a  given  signal,  to 
land  and  escalade  the  walls  in  front  of  the  town,  under 
fire  of  the  fleet  and  batteries,  the  marines  and  sailors  of 
the  fleet  to  join  them,  —  that  five  hundred  more 
escalade  the  walls  at  the  south-east  part  of  the  town, 
—  that  five  hundred  more  make  a  breach  at  the  western 
gate,  and  five  hundred  more  be  in  readiness  to  support 
the  party  that  nost  needs  them."  This  plan  of  Pep- 
perrell's  council  was  not  sent  by  reason  of  a  dense  fog 
until  the  following  letter  was  received  from  him  the 
next  day :  — 

[Copy  of  Warren's  letter  to  Pepperrell.] 

Suburbs  of  Louishurg,  May  26,  1745. 

Sir,  —  I  am  sorry  to  be  troublesome  to  you,  but  his 
Majesty's  service  requires  it. 

I  informed  you  how  much  it  would  be  for  the  advan- 
tage of  the  present  expedition  to  get  the  Vigilant,  who 
is  of  greater  force  than  any  ship  here,  manned  and 
fitted  for  sea  at  a  time  we  may  daily  expect  our  enemy 
with  a  very  strong  squadron.  'Tis  impossible  for  us  to 
man  her  out  of  our  own  ships,  without  weakening  all 


m 
m 


80 


LIFE   OP   SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


the  squadron  and  rendering  them  unfit  to  make  any 
figure  (but  a  bad  one.)  against  the  enemy. 

I  therefore  applied  to  you  for  men,  but  none  are  yet 
gone  on  board  her.  There  are,  no  doubt,  a  number  of 
seamen  among  the  troops  and  transports,  that  would 
readily  go  on  board  her  upon  my  promise,  which  I 
solemnly  give,  to  discharge  them  on  our  return  to 
Boston  when  the  expedition  is  over,  and  I  believe  such 
a  number  as  she  will  want,  will  contribute  more  to  the 
success  of  the  expedition  in  her,  than  in  any  other 
shape  they  can  be  employed.  ' 

What  shall  we  do  with  all  our  prisoners  ?  it  is  very 
improper  to  keep  them  all  in  our  ships.  We  that  have 
been,  now  almost  three  months  at  sea,  grow  very 
sickly  for  want  of  refreshments.  If  we  could  get  fish 
for  our  people  it  would  be  some  service  to  them. 

I  have  not  been  favored  with  your  answer  to  the 
plan  of  operations  I  sent  you ;  for  God's  sake  let  us  do 
something,  and  not  waste  our  time  in  indolence. 

If  you  will  order  men  on  board  the  Vigilant,  she  will 
be  very  soon  fit  for  service. 

Pray  how  came  the  island  battery  not  to  be 
attacked  ?  please  to  let  me  know.  I  sincerely  wish  you 
all  the  honor  and  success  imaginable,  and  only  beg  to 
know  in  what  manner  I  can  be  more  serviceable  than 
in  cruising  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  succors  to 
the  garrison.  I  fear  that  if  that  be  all  that  is  expected 
from  the  phips,  or  that  they  can  do,  Louisburg  will  be 
safe  for  some  time.  For  my  part  I  have  proposed  all 
that  I  think  can  be  done,  and  only  wait  an  answer 
thereto. 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

P.  Warren. 


Is 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


81 


May  27.  —  The  council  having  taken  into  considera- 
tion the  answer  made  by  Commodore  Warren  to  the 
plan  of  operations  proposed  by  them  yesterday,  advise 
that  the  general  embrace  the  first  opportunity  to  go  on 
board  Commodore  Warren's  ship,  with  such  of  his 
council  as  he  shall  think  proper  to  take  with  him,  and 
endeavor  to  determine  upon  some  measures  to  be  taken 
for  the  reduction  of  Louisburg ;  to  be  put  in  execution 
accordingly,  without  further  debate. 

From  casual  remarks  dropped  by  prisoners,  the  com- 
modore learned  that  a  large  number  of  the  enemy's  war- 
ships would  soon  arrive.  This  intelligence  added  to 
sickness  among  his  crews,  and  their  need  of  fresh 
provisions,  made  him  impatient  to  press  the  siege  with 
more  vigor,  and  to  storm  the  fortress.  The  island 
battery  was  in  the  way  of  his  ships,  which  he  again 
strenuously  urged  Pepperrell  to  take  by  storm  in  the 
night.  The  provincial  council  of  war  were  less  san- 
guine of  the  success  of  so  hazardous  an  enterprise, 
where  the  surf  was  running,  by  raw  troops  and  inexpe- 
rienced sailors,  and  it  was  hard  to  bring  a  majority 
of  them  to  acquiesce  in  the  measure.  Pepperrell,  how- 
ever, favored  Warren's  earnest  solicitation,  and  offered 
inducements  to  volunteers,  which  were  soon  raised, 
mostly  among  his  troops.  Captain  Brooks,  with  four 
hundred  men,  led  the  party  from  Cabarus  Bay  in  the 
night,  with  scaling  ladders,  but  was  repulsed  with  the 
loss  of  sixty  killed  and  one  hundred  and  twelve  made 
prisoners,  including  the  wounded.  The  surf  running 
high,  many  of  their  firelocks  were  wet  in  landing,  and 
the  boats  were  fired  upon  with  langrage  before  they 
could  reach  shore,  which  put  them  in  great  disorder, 
and  kept  back  many  that  should  have  pressed  forward. 
Those  that  did  reach  the   shore  were  dispirited,  and 


m 


'  i! 


82 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


after  firing  an  hour,  part  of  them  surrendered,  and  the 
others  retreated  to  the  camp.  This  was  the  only 
serious  reverse  encountered  during  the  siege.  It  sad- 
dened the  hearts  of  the  army,  the  more  so  when  the 
exulting  cheers  of  the  enemy  were,  next  morning, 
wafted  to  their  ears,  reverberating  from  hill  to  hill. 

May  28.  —  To  Commodore  Warren :  "  In  answer  to 
yours  of  the  26th,  I  beg  leave  to  represent  that  it  is 
now  the  twenty-ninth  day  since  the  army  invested 
Louisburg  and  drove  in  the  inhabitants.  That  we 
have  erected  five  fascine  batteries  and  with  hard  service 
to  the  men,  have  drawn  our  cannon  and  mounted  them, 
have  distressed  the  inhabitants,  made  some  breaches  in 
the  wall,  and  doubt  not  we  shall  soon  reduce  the  circu- 
lar battery.  That  in  this  time  we  have  made  five 
unsuccessful  attempts  upon  the  island  battery,  in  the 
last  of  which  we  lost  one  hundred  and  eighty-nine  men 
and  many  of  our  boats.  That  we  have  kept  out  scouts 
to  destroy  the  enemy's  settlements,  and  prevent  surprise. 
That  fatigue  has  brought  on  disease,  and  left  us  not 
more  than  two  thousand  one  hundred  men  fit  for  duty, 
six  hundred  of  whom  are  gone  in  pursuit  of  two  large 
bodies  of  French  and  Indians,  eastward  and  westward 
of  us.  The  council  decide  that  another  attack  on  the 
island  is  impracticable.  We  continue  our  best  exer- 
tions against  the  enemy,  and  I  shall,  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, visit  you  with  some  of  my  council  to  determine  on 
the  most  suitable  measures  to  adopt.  Please  to  stand 
in  toward  Cabarus  Bay  as  soon  as  suits  you,  and  to 
order  out  vessels  to  fish  for  your  crews.  We  think  it 
best  to  send  a  vessel  to  Annapolis  for  a  mortar  and  war- 
like stores." 

Again,  May  31.  —  "I  went  on  board  a  schooner  with 
some  of  my  council  and  was  out  four  hours  trying  to 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


83 


reach  you,  but  was  prevented  by  fogs ;  shall  try  again 
when  the  fog  clears  away,  in  order  that  we  may  do 
something  effectual  in  the  enterprise  we  have  so  much 
at  heart." 

June  1.  —  Writes  to  Captain  Montague  of  the  Vigi- 
lant, asking  of  him.  fifty  barrels  of  powder  and  five 
hundred  cannon  balls,  till  stores  arrive  from  Boston. 

To  Commodore  Warren  :  "  Yours  of  yesterday  I 
received  this  morning.  Am  extremely  sorry  the  fogs 
prevented  me  from  waiting  on  you  on  board  your 
ship.  But  since  it  so  happened,  I  have  advised 
further  with  my  council  upon  the  contents  of  your 
letter  and  plans,  and  we  conclude  forthwith  to  furnish 
you  with  six  hundred  men  for  the  Vigilant,  which  we 
propose  to  take  from  the  transports  and  landmen, — 
have  determined  also  to  send  off  to  your  ships  at  least 
five  hundred  men  with  their  officers,  the  morning  you 
design  to  go  into  the  harbor  with  your  ships,  to  be 
landed  on  the  front  of  the  town  with  your  seamen. 
Am  very  much  obliged  to  Col.  McDonald  for  the  readi- 
ness he  expresses  of  assisting  with  his  marines  on 
shore,  and  if  an  equal  number  of  men  more  than  the 
forementioned  one  thousand  one  hundred  can  be  found 
that  are  likely  to  be  serviceable  on  board  your  ships 
during  the  marines'  absence,  I  will  gladly  sent^  them  in 
their  stead.  I  shall  exert  myself  that  all  the  necessary 
preparations  be  made  on  shore  for  the  attack  whilst  the 
Vigilant  is  getting  ready.  The  battery  near  the  light- 
house Col.  Gorham  informs  me,  is  almost  completed, 
that  there  are  three  embrasures  facing  the  island  baf  tery, 
and  six  facing  the  sea,  —  shall  have  several  carviages 
finished  and  the  guns  mounted  in  two  days.  He 
informs  me  he  has  two  shallops  lying  outside  the 
light-house,  in  order  to  take  out  Bosch's  guns,  which  I 


84 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


shall  order  to  be  done  as  soon  as  possible.  I  am  sure 
that  your  plan  for  the  shipping  going  in  is  concerted  in 
the  best  manner,  but  if  the  men  be  taken  out  of  the 
transports  for  the  Vigilant,  they  cannot  go  in  with  their 
ships.  You  condescend  much  in  asking  my  opinion 
what  vessels  had  best  go  to  Annapolis,  but  if  we  can 
speedily  execute  our  attack  on  Louisburg,  I  hope  it  will 
be  timely  enough  to  send,  after  that  is  over.  Our 
batteries  continue  to  make  good  progress  against  the 
enemy's  wall.  We  aim  as  much  as  possible  against 
the  circular  battery,  but  owing  to  the  fog  we  cannot 
play  as  briskly  as  we  would  be  glad  to  do.  "We  are 
short  of  ammunition  and  must  borrow  fifty  barrels 
more,  and  some  shot  from  the  Vigilant.  Our  scouts 
have  routed  many  and  killed  some  and  taken  some 
prisoners.  I  shall  endeavor  to  visit  you  if  fog  will 
permit,  this  day." 

June  2.  —  To  Captain  Douglas  of  the  Vigilant :  "  I 
thank  you  for  the  powder  sent,  am  expecting  a 
supply  hourly  from  Boston.  I  have  determined  to 
supply  six  hundred  men  for  manning  the  Vigilant, 
which  shall  send  off  to  you  as  soon  as  possible.  Am 
very  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind  present.  Hope 
to  see  you  on  board  Commodore  Warren  this  day, 
whom  I  shall  visit  to  determine  upon  measures  for  the 
speedy  prosecution  of  our  design  against  Louisburg." 

To  Governor  Mascareene  of  Annapolis  :  Narrates 
briefly  the  encouraging  progress  made  against  Louis- 
burg, and  asks  for  a  large  mortar  and  shells,  and 
also  for  a  skilful  gunner.  At  the  same  time  to  Mr. 
Bastide  the  engineer  at  Annapolis,  for  him  to  send  Mr. 
Cowly.  Hopes  soon  to  be  within  the  walls.  Writes 
to  Mr.  Cowly  to  the  same  import. 

To    Governor    Shirley :    "  Powder    and    balls    are 


8IE0E  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


nearly  used  up,  on  account  of  which  many  of  our 
guns  are  silent.  Have  borrowed  one  hundred  and 
eighty-seven  barrels  of  powder  from  Commodore  War- 
ren. We  have  raised  from  the  water  six  of  the  enemy's 
eighteen  pounders,  but  are  in  want  of  powder  and  balls 
for  them.  Our  large  mortar  is  burst  and  also  another 
forty-two  pounder  in  the  advance  battery.  I  beg  for 
the  large  mortar  at  the  castle,  with  a  good  bed  for 
it.  The  shells  sent  with  the  former  mortar  would  not 
last  twenty-four  hours,  and  not  a  quarter  enough 
powder  came.  The  enemy  appears  determined  to 
defend  the  town  to  the  last  extremity,  and  you  may 
depend  we  shall  as  vigorously  push  on  our  part.  Our 
attack  upon  the  island  battery  proved  disastrous,  since 
which,  the  fire  upon  our  advance  battery  has  been 
furious.  We  keep  a  large  detachment  near  to  prevent 
a  sally  from  the  west  gate.  The  advanced  battery, 
though  within  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  would  ere 
this  have  been  covered  by  one  still  nearer,  but  for  lack 
of  gunners  and  ammunition.  We  have  selected  troops 
to  serve  in  the  Vigilant  and  other  ships.  Several  addi- 
tional ships  have  arrived  from  Newfoundland  and  other 
places,  and  the  enemy  are  expecting  a  large  one  with 
three  store-ships.  Our  land  forces  are  inferior  to  those 
of  the  enemy,  who  greatly  overestimate  our  numbers. 
We  have  one  thousand  five  hundred  sick,  and  a  rein- 
forcement, therefore,  of  three  thousand  men  is  absolutely 
necessary.  There  are  two  French  ships  of  twenty-six 
and  thirty  guns  between  this  and  Cape  Sable,  but  we 
cannot  spare  ships  from  the  blockade  squadron  to 
pursue  them.  Our  scouts  have  encountered  large 
bodies  of  the  enemy,  and  killed  and  wounded  about 
forty  of  them,  with  the  loss  on  our  part  of  four  killed 
and  thirty  wounded. 

8 


■■;'r 
w 


■■:m 
i  11 


86 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


i 


"  We  have  been  prevented  by  fog  four  days  from 
having  any  interview  with  the  commodore  and  plan- 
ning  an  attack.  We  must  have  more  reinforcements 
from  the  colonies,  who  had  inadequate  ideas  of  the 
enemy's  strength.  If  it  be  possible  to  settle  with 
Warren  a  general  attack,  it  will  be  done,  but  should 
the  event  bear  heavily  on  the  land  forces,  we  shall  only 
be  able  to  act  the  defensive  part  for  a  while,  unde 
cover  of  the  ships.  Whether  Col.  McDonald  will 
come  on  shore  to  join  our  forces,  or  enter  the  town  by 
boats  from  the  men-of-war  is  not  yet  settled.  You  ark 
for  some  of  the  cruisers  to  protect  the  coast,  but  they 
cannot  conveniently  be  spared  at  present." 

Again,  June  3.  —  "Have  just  received  yours;  am 
rejoiced  to  learn  that  my  services  are  approved. 
I  thank  you  for  timely  supplies  just  received.  It  is 
reported  here  that  Duvivier's  arrival  is  expected  with 
two  thousand  men  from  France.  The  zeal  and  activity 
of  Colonel  Bradstreet,  are  worthy  of  all  praise.  It  is 
difficult  keeping  our  counsels  secret,  (to  which  the  gov- 
ernor had  alluded,)  and  I  recommend  that  you  forbid 
the  printing  of  them." 

June  4.  —  To  Commodore  Warren,  congratulating 
him  on  his  intercepting  a  vessel  loaded  with  provisions 
from  Quebec;  hopes  their  incredulity  there,  as  to  an 
armament  against  Louisburg,  will  continue  a  while 
longer.  Requests  him  to  hasten  the  provisions  to 
Canso  where  they  are  short. 

June  5. —  To  Governor  Shirley:  "  I  have  just  had  a 
conference  with  Commodore  Warren  on  board  his  ship, 
who  is  not  inclined  after  all,  to  attempt  sending  his 
ships  into  the  harbor,  till  further  execution  is  done 
against  the  enemy's  batteries.     We  therefore,  propose 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


87 


to  withdraw  the  six  hundred  men  from  the  Vigilant, 
and  to  man  her  from  Snelling  and  the  two  Rhode 
Island  vessels,  leaving  forty  on  board  to  take  them  to 
Boston.  Mr.  Bastide,  engineer  from  Annapolis,  has 
arrived  to  assist ;  —  reports  that  the  French  and  Indians 
drew  off  from  there  on  the  24th  ult.,  being  called  away 
by  an  express  from  Louisburg. 

"  Last  night  a  French  soldier  deserted  from  the  garri- 
son to  us  and  reports  that  there  are  three  thousand  six 
hundred  men  that  bear  arms,  seven  or  eight  hundred 
of  which  are  soldiers ;  that  they  have  provisions  to  last 
till  October,  and  considerable  ammunition ;  that  one 
hundred  and  sixteen  of  our  men  were  taken  prisoners 
at  the  attack  on  the  island  battery;  that  the  enemy 
judged  variously  of  our  forces,  from  one  thousand  to 
four  thousand  five  hundred  men ;  that  they  have  bur^jt 
one  of  their  mortars  and  several  cannon ;  that  they  are 
prepared  to  receive  an  attack  every  night  on  all  parts  of 
the  town;  that  the  guards  prevent  deserters;  that  if 
their  expected  ships  are  taken,  they  will  have  to  sur- 
render, but  they  do  not  expect  our  ships  will  venture 
into  the  harbor;  that  more  ships  and  soldiers  would 
have  been  sent  from  France  laet  fall  had  not  the 
engineer  who  went  out  represented  that  women  were 
able  to  defend  the  place  by  land.  I  have  sent  him  to 
Commodore  Warren.  Have  ordered  fourteen  trans- 
ports back  to  Boston,  and  Bosch  with  prisoners.  Our 
scouts  are  successful,  one  has  just  brought  in  seventeen 
prisoners." 

To  Commodore  Warren :  "  I  send  you  a  French 
soldier  deserted  from  the  garrison.  My  council  agree 
that  an  express  should  be  sent  to  the  Duke  of  New- 
castle if  you  think  it  best.     Have  ordered  a  cruiser  to 


i 


i'M 


il' ' 


\  I 


88 


LIFE  OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


June  7. 


the  mouth  of  the  harbor  to  intercept  supplies ;  —  as  this 
weakens  our  land  force,  hope  you  will  send  the  Rhode 
Island  or  Connecticut  schooner  on  that  duty." 

To  the  Honorable  Committee  of  War.  Thanks  them 
for  timely  supplies,  and  offers  his  pressing  duties  on  all 
sides  as  an  excuse  for  not  writing  more ;  refers  them  to 
his  letters  to  Governor  Shirley ;  asks  for  further  sup- 
plies for  the  soldiers  and  a  sloop  load  of  boards. 

June  6.  —  To  Commodore  Warren,  to  send  a  cruiser 
to  convey  troops  from  Annapolis,  now  that  the  French 
and  Indians  have  raised  the  siege  there. 

Warren's  fleet  had,  by  this  time,  more  than 
doubled  by  arrivals  of  large  ships  from  the 
West  Indies,  Newfoundland,  and  from  England,  the 
appearance  of  which,  added  to  the  impression  made  by 
Pepperrell's  batteries  on  the  fortress  and  town,  and  the 
long  and  wearisome  bombardment  of  nearly  six  weeks, 
awakened  some  alarm  among  the  French  as  to  the 
issue  of  the  contest,  which  was  increased  by  intelligence 
sent  in  by  a  flag  of  truce  of  the  capture  of  the  Vigilant, 
of  which  they  were  still  ignorant.  The  stratagem  by 
which  the  intelligence  was  conveyed  was,  by  requesting 
the  commander  of  the  Vigilant  to  visit  his  crew,  then 
distributed  about  in  Warren's  fleet  as  prisoners,  that  he 
might  see  how  they  fared.  He  expressed  satisfaction 
at  their  treatment,  when  he  was  told  that  the  governor 
of  the  fortress  had  treated  some  American  prisoners 
inhumanly,  and  added  unnecessary  suffering  to  their 
captivity,  and  he  was  requested  to  interpose  in  their 
favor.  He  readily  complied  and  addressed  the  follow- 
ing note  to  the  governor. 


!iill 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST   OP  LOUISBXJRG. 


89 


[To  Duchambon,  Governor  of  Louisburg.] 

On  board  the  Vigilant,  where  I  am  a  prisoner, ") 
before  Louisburg,  June  8,  1745.  ) 

Herewith  I  send  you,  Sir,  the  copy  of  a  letter  written 
me  by  Mr.  Warren,  commander  of  a  squadron,  who 
informs  me  that  the  French  have  treated  some  English 
prisoners  with  cruelty  and  inhumanity.  I  can  scarcely 
believe  it,  since  it  is  the  intention  of  the  king,  our 
master,  that  they  should  be  well  treated  on  every  occa- 
sion. You  are  to  know  that  on  the  30th  of  May,  I 
was  taken  by  the  squadron,  as  I  was  about  to  enter 
your  harbor,  and  it  is  fitting  you  should  be  informed 
that  the  gentlemen,  the  captains  and  officers,  treat  us 
not  as  prisoners  but  as  their  good  friends,  and  take 
a  very  particular  care  that  my  officers  and  equipage 
should  want  nothing.  To  me  it  seems  just  you  should 
treat  them  in  the  same  manner,  and  see  that  those 
be  punished  who  act  otherwise,  and  offer  any  insult  to. 
those  whom  you  may  make  prisoners. 

Yours,  etc., 

De  la  Maison  Forte. 

Captain  McDonald  was  bearer  of  the  flag  and  note,, 
the  reading  of  which  was  the  first  intimation  they  had 
of  the  loss  of  the  Vigilant.  Although  a  good  French 
linguist,  he  spoke  to  the  enemy  through  an  interpreter, 
as  if  ignorant  of  their  language.  They  conversed  the 
more  freely  for  this,  and  exhibited  not  only  surprise  but 
dismay,  at  the  loss  of  that  large  ship,  and  all  the  sup- 
plies she  contained. 

June  7.  —  To  Governor  Shirley:  "The  advice  that 
Annapolis  was  besieged  induced  Commodore  Warren 
to  send  Captains  Tyng  and  Thompson,  but  receiving 
information    that    the    siege  was    raised,  the  vessels 

8* 


iti 


i 


/ 


90 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


1 


returned  and  Rouse  proceeded  to  Boston.  Vessels  were 
sent  into  the  Strait  of  Canso  to  cut  off  their  retreat. 
We  are,  therefore,  unable  to  spare  any  more  of  the 
cruisers  at  present,  without  hazard  to  our  main  enter- 
prise. We  are  quite  out  of  powder,  and  our  batteries 
are  silent ;  must  have  more.  It  is  incredible  how  much 
such  a  siege  consumes.  We  arfe  under  the  greatest 
obligation  to  Commodore  Warren  for  supplies,  who  has 
been  very  obliging  every  way." 

To  Governor  Mascarene  :  "  I  am  very  glad  the 
enemy  has  raised  the  siege  at  Annapolis,  and  shall 
endeavor  to  intercept  them  if  they  retreat  this  way. 
On  hearing  you  was  besieged,  the  commodore  sent  two 
ships  of  war  to  relief.  Please  to  hasten  their  return 
back,  as  we  are  hourly  expecting  a  squadron  of  French 
ships." 

At  a  council  of  war  of  naval  commanders,  held  on 
board  ship,  "  the  question  being  put,  whether  with  the 
naval  force  we  have  now  here,  it  is  practicable  and 
advisable  to  go  into  the  harbor  of  Louisburg  and 
attack  the  town  and  fortresses  without  the  island  battery 
being  first  taken,  considering  the  assistance  proposed  to 
be  given  by  the  land  forces,  by  General  Pepperrell's 
plan  dated  the  26th  of  May  last?"  After  duly  con- 
sidering the  difficulties  and  dangers  of  the  undertaking, 
"  it  was  unanimously  agreed  that  it  is  not  practicable 
or  advisable  to  attack  the  town,  without  the  island 
battery  being  first  taken."  The  question  being  then 
put,  whether  the  island  battery  is  to  be  attacked,  and 
in  what  manner? 

"  It  was  resolved,  after  having  examined  the  pilots, 
already  on  board  his  Majesty's  ships,  who  declare  they 
do  not  know  how  near  ships  can  be  carried  to  the 
battery,  therefore  decline  taking  charge  of  them;  that 


/ 


y 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


91 


if  proper  pilots  can  be  found  who  will  take  charge  and 
anchor  'CvJi  within  half  a  cable's  length  of  the  island 
battery,  so  ^y  not  to  be  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  town, 
and  further,  if  the  general  will  supply  us  with  proper 
officers  and  five  hundred  men  in  the  whaleboats,  to  be 
sent  on  board  the  commodore,  and  to  land  when  he 
shall  think  proper,  to  attack  the  island  battery  under 
protection  of  the  ships,  we  will  then  use  our  endeavors 
to  attempt  it  as  soon  as  the  wind  and  weather  will 
permit. 

June  8.  —  To  Commodore  Warren  :  "  Your  favors 
by  Col.  McDonald  with  a  copy  of  the  opinion  of  the 
commanders  of  the  squadron  relating  to  attacking  the 
town  and  island  battery,  is  received.  Since  the  expe- 
rience we  have  had  of  its  strength,  the  great  difficulty 
of  landing,  the  probable  transportation  of  the  enemy 
there,  I  cannot  think  it  advisable  to  attack  it  again  in 
whaleboats  which  a  few  musket  balls  might  sink. 
The  circumstances  of  the  army  do  not  admit  of  any 
more  vigorous  measures  at  present  than  were  proposed 
in  our  plan  of  May  25th.  I  am  doing  my  utmost 
to  forward  every  thing  which  appears  to  me  best  for 
speedy  success.  Am  very  sorry  that  you  and  the 
gentlemen  who  command  his  Majesty's  ships,  by  mis- 
representation from  any  of  what  has  been  done  by  our 
troops,  should  apprehend  that  no  material  damage  has 
been  done  to  any  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  when  I  am 
able  to  assure  you  that  the  circular  battery,  which  is 
the  most  considerable  of  any  in  the  city,  is  nearly 
ruined,  only  three  or  four  guns  out  of  sixteen  being 
left.  If  you  decline  going  in  with  your  ships,  we  shall 
continue  to  do  what  we  can  with  our  batteries ;  hope 
to  have  the  light-house  battery  completed  to  annoy  the 
island  battery,  and  your  ships  might  attack  it  from  the 


11 


I 


/ 


92 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


outside  and  be  safe  to  retreat.  I  send  you  three  pilots 
to  take  your  ships  to  anchorage  near  it.  Col.  McDonald 
has  been  in  with  your  letter  and  the  Marquis's,  and 
will  bring  you  an  answer.  I  shall  be  happy  to  wait 
upon  you  on  shore." 

June  9.  —  To  the  same  :  "  Our  smiths  are  mak- 
ing langrage  and  manicles.  We  have  two  Swiss 
deserters  who  say  there  are  about  one  thousand  six 
hundred  to  one  thousand  eight  hundred  men  in 
Louisburg  capable  of  bearing  arms,  about  six  hun- 
dred of  them  soldiers ;  that  they  are  short  of  pro- 
visions, have  not  more  than  a  month's  stock,  and 
but  little  ammunition  ;  that  they  expect  to  surrender  if 
their  ships  do  not  soon  arrive  from  France ;  that  if  the 
island  battery  was  silenced  they  would  immediately 
surrender  the  town,  and  that  a  mortar  at  the  light-house 
battery  would  greatly  annoy  them.  I  shall  send  over 
our  large  mortar  this  night  and  with  them  more  cannon 
to  bear  upon  the  enemy,  and  shall  make  the  island 
battery  too  warm  for  them.'* 

June  10.  —  To  the  same,  acknowledging  the  receipt 
of  his,  advising  that  a  large  ship,  the  Canterbury,  had 
arrived,  and  two  others  expected.  "  Shall  be  ready  to 
go  on  board  with  some  of  my  council  when  you  think 
most  convenient.  I  am  sending  a  party  of  men  in 
boats  to  Mira  after  four  hundred  arms  and  some 
ammunition  sent  there  to  supply  the  party  expected- 
from  Annapolis."  The  two  Swiss  deserters  being 
examined  were  sent  off  to  Commodore  Warren. 

Preparatory  to  a  general  assault  on  the  fortress, 
which  would  expose  the  camp  and  stores  to  sudden 
attack  by  French  and  Indians  from  the  interior,  Pepper- 
rell  ordered  his  men  to  surround  it  with  pickets. 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


93 


The  bombardment  now  grew  stronger  on 
both  sides ;  the  enemy  planted  six  cannon  in  ' 

the  night  near  the  west  gate  which  the  provincials  soon 
silenced.  Bedhot  balls  were  poured  into  the  town, 
and  bombs  thrown  back  in  return.  Scouts  were  con- 
tinually in  motion.  Three  or  four  large  ships  of  war 
joined  the  fleet  on  the  10th  and  12th. 

June  11.  —  Warren  concludes  to  sail  into  the  harbor 
and  writes :  "  When  the  wind  is  fair,  and  I  expect  to 
get  in  the  same  day,  I  will  hoist  a  Dutch  flag  under  my 
pennant  at  the  maintop  gallant  masthead;  and  as  a 
signal  to  let  us  know  you  are  ready  you  are  to  make 
three  smokes.  When  I  hoist  a  Dutch  flag,  you  should 
march  toward  the  town,  drums  beating  and  colors 
flying ;  when  I  hoist  the  red  flag  on  the  flagstaff",  you 
may  then  be  assured  I  shall  be  in  and  begin  the  attack 
in  about  half  an  hour." 

June  13.  —  To  Commodore  Warren :  "  I  wrote  you 
this  morning,  since  which  I  have  yours  advising  of  the 
arrival  of  the  three  large  ships  to  join  you,  and  desiring 
my  opinion  about  detaining  them.  You,  Sir,  are  the 
best  judge,  but  since  you  solicit  my  opinion,  I  will  say 
that  as  Annapolis  is  safe  at  present,  and  our  affairs  here 
seem  to  be  very  near  to  a  crisis,  it  may  be  for  his 
Majesty's  service  to  detain  them  a  while.  I  rejoice  in 
the  additions  to  your  force." 

Again :  "  I  am  making  the  necessary  preparations 
with  all  the  despatch  possible  for  attacking  the  town 
when  the  ships  go  iu.  Have  ordered  out  all  the  trans- 
ports to  receive  your  commands ;  have  also  ordered  all 
the  boats  in  the  harbor  to  be  fitted  with  oars  and 
ladders ;  shall  take  due  notice  of  your  signals ;  have 
sent  you  cohorns  and  shells  and  what  oakum  and 
moss  could  be  collected.      The  six  hundred  men  shall 


l\ 


f 

\ 

94 

LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 

j« 1 ^.,   i.u:„u  :i.  1 4.   ^.^^ u; 

~u :ii 

\i>\ 


be  made  up  when  you  think  it  best,  among  which  will 
be  Col.  Moore  and  the  chief  part  of  his  New  Hamp- 
shire regiment.  I  pray  the  loan  of  fifty  barrels  of 
powder  more,  which  you  offered  us.  "We  shall  have 
three  more  forty-twos  ready  to  play  upon  the  circular 
battery,  and  prevent  annoyance  to  your  ships  therefrom 
as  they  come  in." 

On  the  13th  all  the  transports  were  ordered  out  of 
Cabarus  Bay  to  the  fleet,  to  clear  them  of  their  lumber. 
Heaps  of  brush  were  made  ready  on  Green  Hill  for 
smoke  signals,  and  scaling  ladders  carried  to  the 
advance  batteries.  On  the  15th  Warren  came  on 
shore,  and  the  troops  being  paraded,  were  exhorted  in 
stirring  speeches,  by  both  him  and  Pepperrell,  to  show 
their  valor  and  heroism  in  the  designed  attack.  The 
fleet,  consisting  of  eleven  ships  of  from  forty  to  sixty 
guns  each,  all  anchored  in  a  line  near  the  town,  made 
an  imposing  appearance,  and  Pepperrell  ordered  six 
hundred  provincials  on  board  them  to  augment  their 
crews. 

Governor  Duchambon  now  saw  no  hope  of  avert- 
ing the  impending  storm ;  his  island  battery,  the  palla- 
dium of  Louisburg,  Pepperrell  had  partially  silenced 
by  the  light-house  battery,  and  it  was  still  receiving  an 
incessant  fire ;  his  north-east  battery  was  damaged,  and 
so  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  advanced  fascine  batteries 
that  the  men  could  not  stand  to  their  guns ;  the  circular 
battery  was  ruined  and  most  of  its  guns  dismounted ; 
the  west  gate  demolished  and  a  breach  made  in  the 
adjoining  wall;  the  west  flank  of  the  king's  bastion 
almost  ruined ;  the  houses  quite  demolished ;  his  troops 
worn  down  by  forty-eight  days*  siege  and  broken  sleep, 
and  a  force  of  five  times  his  number  of  men  surround- 
ing and  gathering  in  upon  him  by  sea  and  land,  like 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


95 


surging  waves,  ready  to  burst  the  opposing  barriers  and 
pour  in  a  broad  flood,  he  could  do  no  otherwise  than 
surrender.  Accordingly,  late  in  the  afternoon  of  June 
15th,  and  while  the  commodore  was  on  shore,  a  flag 
was  sent  to  Pepperrell  asking  time  to  consider  terms  of 
capitulation.  Captain  Sherburn,  who  commanded  the 
advance  battery,  received  the  officer  midway  between 
it  and  the  gate.  Meanwhile  all  firing  ceased,  excepting 
at  the  light-house  battery,  which  continued  its  fire  upon 
the  island  battery,  not  knowing  that  a  parley  was  hold- 
ing.    Thfjy  returned  the  following  answer :  — 


■5 


[To  Governor  Duchainbon.] 

Camp,  June  15,  1745,  8 J  P.  M. 

"We  have  yours  of  this  date  proposing  a  suspension 
of  hostilities  for  such  a  time  as  shall  be  necessary  for 
you  to  determine  upon  the  conditions  of  delivering  up 
the  garrison  of  Louisburg,  which  arrived  at  a  happy 
juncture  to  prevent  the  effusion  of  Christian  blood,  as 
we  were  together,  and  had  just  determined  upon  a 
general  attack.     We   shall  comply  with  your  desire 
until  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  and  if  in  the 
mean  time  you  surrender  yourselves  prisoners  of  war, 
you  may  depend  upon  humane  and  generous  treatment. 
We  are  your  humble  servants, 
Peter  Warren, 
William  Pepperrell. 

[Pepperrell  and  Warren's  second  letter  to  Dnehambon.] 

Camp  before  Louisburg,  June  IG,  1745. 

We  have  before  us  yours  of  this  date,  together  with 
the  several  articles  of  capitulation  on  which  you  have 
proposed  to  surrender  the  town  and  fortifications  of 
Louisburg,  with  the  territories  adjacent  under  your 


'li 


96 


LIFE  OF  SIB  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


government,  to  his  Britannic  Majesty's  obedience,  to  be 
delivered  up  to  his  said  Majesty's  forces  now  besieging 
said  place  under  our  command ;  which  articles  we  can 
by  no  means  concede  to.  But  as  we  are  desirous  to 
treat  you  in  a  generous  manner,  we  do  again  make  you 
an  offer  of  the  terms  of  surrender  proposed  by  us  in  our 
summons  sent  you  May  7th  last ;  and  do  further  con- 
sent to  allow,  and  promise  you  the  following  articles, 
namely :  — 

1st.  That  if  your  own  vessels  shall  be  found  insuffi- 
cient for  the  transportation  of  your  persons  and  pro- 
posed eflects  to  France,  we  will  supply  such  a  number 
of  other  vessels  as  may  be  sufficient  for  that  purpose, 
also  any  provisions  necessary  for  the  voyage  which 
you  cannot  furnish  yourselves  with. 

2d.  That  all  the  commissioned  officers  belonging 
to  the  garrison,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  may 
remain  in  their  houses  with  their  families,  and  enjoy 
the  free  exercise  of  their  religion,  and  no  person  shall  be 
suffered  to  misuse  or  molest  any  of  them  till  such  time 
as  they  can  conveniently  be  transported  to  France. 

3d.  That  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers 
shall  immediately  upon  the  surrender  of  the  town  and 
fortresses,  be  put  on  board  his  Britannic  Majesty's  ships, 
till  they  all  be  transported  to  France. 

4th.  That  all  your  sick  and  wounded  shall  be  taken 
tender  care  of  in  the  same  manner  as  our  own. 

5th.  That  the  commander-in-chief,  now  in  garri- 
son, shall  have  liberty  to  send  off  covered  wagons,  to  be 
inspected  only  by  one  officer  of  ours,  that  no  warlike 
stores  may  be  contained  therein. 

6th.  That  if  there  be  any  persons  in  the  town  or 
garrison  which  may  desire  shall  not  be  seen  by  us,  they 
shall  be  permitted  to  go  off  masked. 


ai 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


97 


7ih.  The  above  we  do  consent  to,  and  promise  upon 
your  compliance  with  the  following  conditions :  — 

1.  That  the  said  surrender  and  due  performance  of 
every  part  of  the  aforesaid  premises  be  made  and  com- 
pleted as  soon  as  possible. 

3.  That  as  a  security  for  the  punctual  performance  of 
the  same,  the  island  battery,  or  one  of  the  batteries  of 
the  town,  shall  be  delivered,  together  with  the  warlike 
stores  thereunto  belonging,  into  the  possession  of  his  Bri- 
tannic Majesty's  troops  before  six  o'clock  this  evening. 

3.  That  his  said  Britannic  Majesty's  ships  of  war, 
now  lying  before  the  port,  shall  be  permitted  to  enter 
the  harbor  of  Louisburg  without  any  molestation,  as 
soon  after  six  of  the  clock  this  afternoon  as  the  com- 
mander-in-chief of  said  ships  shall  think  fit. 

4.  That  none  of  the  officers,  soldiers,  nor  inhabitants 
in  Louisburg,  who  are  subjects  of  the  French  King,, 
shall  take  up  arms  against  his  Britannic  Majesty,  nor 
any  of  his  allies,  until  after  the  expiration  of  the  full 
term  of  twelve  months  from  this  time. 

5.  That  all  subjects  of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  who 
are  now  prisoners  with  you  shall  be  immediately  deliv- 
ered up  to  us. 

In  case  of  your  non-compliance  with  these  conditions, 
we  decline  any  further  treaty  with  you  on  th«  affair,  andi 
shall  decide  the  matter  by  our  arms,  and  are,  etc.. 

Your  humble  servants, 

P.  Warren, 
W.  Pepperrell. 

[Letter  from  General  Pepperrell  to  Governor  Dachambon.] 

Camp  before  Louisburg,  June  16. 

Sir, —  I  have  yours  by  an  hostage,  signifying  your. 

assent  to  the  surrender  of  the  town  and  fortresses  of 

9 


i 


r.    11 


98 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


\ 


Louisburg,  and  the  territoriea  adjacent,  etc.,  etc.,  on  the 
terms  this  day  proposed  to  you  by  Commodore  Warren 
and  myself;  excepting  only  that  you  desire  your  troops 
may  march  out  of  the  garrison  with  their  arms,  and 
colors  flying,  to  be  then  delivered  into  our  custody,  till 
the  said  troops'  arrival  in  France,  at  which  time  to  have 
them  returned  to  them — which  I  consent  to  and  send 
you  an  hostage  for  the  performance  of  what  we  have 
promised,  and  have  sent  to  Commodore  Warren  that  if 
he  consents  to  it,  he  would  send  a  detachment  on  shore 
to  take  possession  of  the  island  battery. 
I  am,  Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

William  Pepperrell. 


I! 

M 
M 


[Letter  from  Commodore  Warren  to  Governor  DuchAmbon.] 

Superhe,  off  Louisburg,  June  16,  1748. 

Sir, —  I  have  received  your  letter  of  this  date,  desiring 
that  His  Most  Christian  Majesty's  troops  under  your 
command,  may  have  the  honors  of  war  given  them,  so 
far  as  to  march  to  my  boats,  at  the  beach,  with  their 
muskets  and  bayonets,  and  colors  flying,  there  to  deliver 
them  to  the  officers  of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  whom  I 
shall  appoint  for  that  purpose,  to  be  kept  in  my  custody 
till  they  shall  be  landed  in  the  French  king's  dominions, 
then  and  there  to  be  returned  to  them,  which  I  agree  to 
in  considerftion  of  your  gallant  defence,  upon  the  fol- 
lowing conditions :  — 

First,  That  you  deliver  up  immediately  to  the  officers 
and  troops  whom  I  •  shall  appoint,  the  island  battery 
with  all  the  ammunition,  cannon,  warlike  and  other 
king's  stores  thereunto  belonging,  in  the  condition  they 
-now  are. 

Secondly,  That  all  the  ships  of  war  and  other  ves- 
sels do  enter  the  harbor  without  molestation,  at  any 


! 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


99 


time  after  daylight  to-morrow  morning,  and  that  the 
keys  of  the  town  be  delivered  to  such  officers  and  troops 
as  I  shall  appoint  to  receive  them,  and  that  all  the  can- 
non, warlike  and  other  stores  in  the  town,  be  also  deliv- 
ered up  to  the  said  officer.  I  expect  your  immediate 
compliance  with  these  terms,  and  beg  to  assure  you, 
that  I  am  with  regard.  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 
,  P.  Warren. 


June  16.  —  To  Commodore  Warren :  "  I  understand 
you  have  had  an  hostage  from  the  governor  of  Louis- 
burg,  as  I  also  have  to  signify  his  consent  to  our  pro- 
posals, made  this  day,  except  their  troops'  going  out  of 
the  garrison  with  their  arms  and  colors.  We  have  con- 
sidered the  afiair  here,  and  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  too 
small  a  point  to  hinder  any  time  upon,  and  are  willing 
to  grant  it  to  them,  but  have  thought  it  proper  to  know 
your  opinion  on  it,  and  if  you  consent,  please  to  send 
and  take  possession  of  the  island  battery,  as  soon  as 
possible.  I  shall  lose  no  time  in  getting  our  troops  into 
the  town." 

Warren  replies :  "  Sir,  I  received  your  favor  by  Col. 
Moore,  and  am  glad  our  sentiments  agree  with  regard 
to  allowing  the  troops  the  honors  of  war  which  they 
desired;  the  uncertainty  of  our  affairs  that  depend  so 
much  on  wind  and  weather,  make  it  necessary  not  to 
stickle  at  trifles.  I  find  you  have  got  an  hostage,  I  have 
another,  and  have  sent  Captain  Durell  to  the  governor 
in  his  room,  and  at  daylight  propose  to  send  men  to 
take  possession  of  the  island  battery,  and  to  go  into  the 
harbor  with  the  ships  if  possible.  I  have  wrote  to 
Saunders  to  order  all  the  vessels  in  Cabarus  bay  to  fol- 
low us  immediately  in.    I  rejoice  at  our  success,  be  as- 


M 


100 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


M  '  i 


Bured,  sir.  I  shall  always  be  glad  of  your  approbation 
of  my  conduct.  I  beg  we  may  all  behave  to  the  pris- 
oners with  the  humanity  and  honor  becoming  English 
officers,  and  be  persuaded  it  will  add  greatly  to  the  rep- 
utation which  we  acquire  by  the  reduction  of  this  for- 
midable garrison.  I  believe  you  will  think  it  right  to 
send  an  express,  both  to  England  and  Boston,  as  soon 
as  possible.  I  will  write  no  letter  but  what  I  will  show 
you,  that  you  may  be  convinced  that  I  do  you,  and  all 
the  gentlemen  employed  on  this  expedition,  all  the 
honor  in  my  power." 

According  to  the  promise  above  stated,  Warren  sent 

marines  to  take  possession  of  the  island  battery,  and 

Pepperrell,  in  accordance  with  his  letter,  was  about  to 

send  troops  to  take  possession  of  the  city ;  preparatory 

to  which  he  addressed  a  note  to  Gov.  Duchambon, 

Tit 

'  saying,  "  I  received  a  letter  from  Commodore 
Warren  this  morning  in  answer  to  mine  of  last  night, 
in  regard  to  your  being  allowed  the  liberty  of  march- 
ing with  your  forces  out  of  the  town  with  their 
arms,  —  drums  beating,  and  colors  flying,  which  he,  as 
well  as  myself,  was  ready  to  comply  with,  which  gives 
me  pleasure. 

"  I  desire  the  favor  that  your  ofHcers  and  families,  with 
the  inhabitants  and  their  families  may  repair  to  their 
own  houses  as  soon  as  possible,  where  they  may  depend 
on  meeting  the  best  treatment,  nor  shall  any  person  be 
sufieied  to  give  them  the  least  disturbance  ;  and  also  that 
your  troops  may  put  their  arms  by  themselves  in  the 
magazine,  where  they  shall  be  V-ept  safe,  and  retunu:  i  to 
them  the  day  they  are  to  march  out  of  the  t  >  '••,  i 
shaU  send  Colonel  Bradstreet  with  a  detachment  at  four 
o'clock  tins  afternoon  to  take  possession  of  the  town  and 
forts,  to  i^hom  I  desire  you  will  deliver  them,  with  all 


SIEGE    VXD  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


101 


your  warlike  stores  and  keys.  Pray  send  out  a  gentle- 
man to  let  Colonel  Rradstreet  know  what  gate  he  is 
to  march  in  at." 

Warren  writes  to  Pcpperrcll :  "  Sir,  T  came  ashore  to 
the  island  battery,  and  iruin  thence  t^  town,  in  order  to 
settle  matters  relatin"  to  t\u  apitulation  as  soon  '^s 
possible.  The  governor  has  shown  me  your  letter 
desiring  he  would  deliver  up  the  town,  ett  ,  to  you  at 
four  o'clock  this  afternoon.  It  is  no  re^ulw  r,  you  will 
ploase  to  observe,  to  do  it  till  the  artici's  are  ratified  on 
bf'h  sides,  which  I  will  hasten  to  ge?  done,  and  will 
m<et  you  at  three  or  four  o'clock  at  Colonel  Rich- 
mond's, and  if  the  papers  proper  can  be  I'v  tha  time 
done,  I  will  bring  them  with  me.  I  arh  sorr  to  find  by 
your  letter  a  kind  of  jealousy,  which  I  thoi'ght  you 
would  never  conceive  of  me,  after  my  letter  '  )  you  of 
last  night,  and  give  me  leave  to  tell  you  I  don't  want  at 
this  time  to  acquire  reputation,  as  I  flatter  myself  mine 
has  been  pretty  well  established  long  before.  I  shall  be 
glad  to  see  Colonel  Bradstreet,  Mr.  Bastide,  <  r  any 
other  of  your  council  or  oflicers  with  you.  My  s  luad- 
ron  are  now  coming  in,  but  I  believe  it  will  be  light 
before  they  can  get  in.  I  beg  leave  to  tell  you  that  the 
governor  expresses  some  little  resentment  at  your  It  tter 
of  this  date,  and  be  assured  that  a  proper  treatment  and 
strict  adherence  to  the  capitulation  should  never  be 
violated,  but  on  the  contrary,  should  be  righteously  and 
religiously  observed,  otherwise  we  may  bring  dishonor 
upon  ourselves  and  our  country,  which,  I  am  persuaded, 
you  never  intend." 

Warren  was  right  in   his   opinion  that  the  terms 

of  capitulation  should  be  exchanged  before  occupancy, 

but  wrong  in   attributing  the   letter  of  Pepperrell  to 

Duchambon  to   jealousy.      It  originated  in  a  belief 

9* 


i 


it 


f'i 


I 


s 


102 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


that  it  was  his  duty  to  enter  the  city  immediately,  to 
prevent  the  destruction  of  property  that  belonged  to  the 
captors,  and  the  ships  being  outside,  it  was  uncertain 
when  they  would  enter  the  harbor  to  assist.  He  had 
requested  Warren  to  take  possession  of  the  island 
battery,  and  notified  him  of  his  intention  to  send  Brad- 
street  with  troops  to  take  possession  that  afternoon,  and 
his  letter  to  Duchambon  asking  a  guide  to  enter,  was 
civil  and  courteous,  and  less  adapted  to  produce  resent- 
ment than  \V  fren's,  which  was  dictatorial  and  author- 
native  if  not  menacing;  and  it  is  probable  that  its 
severe  tone  conveyed  to  Duchambon  the  idea  that  he 
was  to  be  regarded  as  commander-in-chief  rather  than 
a  coequal,  and  therefore  that  Pepperrell  had  overstept 
the  bounds  of  a  subordinate  in  requesting  him  to 
throw  open  the  gates  to  his  troops.  It  is,  moreover, 
evident  that  the  complaint  of  Warren  that  "  it  was  not 
regular  to  ask  the  delivery  up  of  the  town,  etc.,  till  the 
articles  are  ratified  on  both  sides,"  is  a  mere  pretence, 
from  the  fact  that  the  articles  were  not  translated  and 
signed  for  two  days  after,  (June  19,)  although  Pepperrell 
(instead  of  Bradstreet)  marched  in  at  the  head  of  his 
troops  on  the  17th.  The  foregoing  separate  letter  of 
Warren  to  the  governor  claiming  precedence  and 
•demanding  the  surrender  of  the  town,  etc.,  to  himself, 
for  so  it  reads,  was  unknown  to  Pepperrell  at  the  time, 
and  probably  ever  after,  for  it  was  not  until  a  recent 
period  that  a  copy  of  it  was  obtained  from  the  French 
records  and  deposited  in  the  archives  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Historical  Society.  It  is  most  likely  that  on  further 
.reflection  Warren  assented  to  Pepperrell's  entrance  and 
reception  of  the  keys,  for  they  were  in  his  custody 
a  short  time  after,  when  Governor  Shirley  arrived,  and 
were  presented  to  him  in  presence  of  the  troops  under 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


103 


arms,  with  formal  ceremony,  and  "Warren  being  present 
as  a  spectator,  made  a  speech  highly  complimentary  of 
Pepperrell  and  his  army. 

We  have  dwelt  longer  on  this  subject  than  its  appar- 
ent insignificance  would  seem  to  justify,  partly  because 
it  produced  a  strong  sensation  at  the  time  in  New  Eng- 
land, as  will  appear  presently,  but  more  from  the  fact 
that  most  American  histories  and  some  English  ones, 
advert  to  it  as  an  incident  that  rankled  in  the  American 
mind  until  the  outbreak  of  the  Revolution. 

By  the  capitulation  six  hundred  and  fifty  veteran 
troops,  one  thousand  three  hundred  and  ten  militia- 
men, the  crew  of  the  Vigilant,  and  about  two  thousand 
of  the  inhabitants,  being  four  thousand  one  hundred 
and  thirty  in  all,  engaged  not  to  bear  arms  against 
Great  Britain  or  New  England  for  twelve  months,  and 
embarking  on  board  fourteen  cartel  ships  were  trans- 
ported to  Rochefort  in  France.  Seventy-six  cannon 
and-  mortars  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors,  beside 
other  property  to  an  immense  amount,  and  there  were 
in  the  town  provisions  for  five  or  six  months.  The  loss 
among  the  provincials  was  one  hundred  and  thirty,  and 
of  the  French,  three  hundred,  killed  within  the  walls, 
which,  with  the  shattered  condition  of  the  city  and 
fortifications,  proved  that  the  nine  thousand  cannon 
balls  and  six  hundred  bombs  Pepperrell  threw  at  them 
had  done  some  execution. 

Upon  entering  the  fortress,  and  viewing  its  strength 
and  the  plenty  and  variety  of  its  means  for  defence,  the 
stoutest  hearts  were  appalled ;  and  the  practicability  of 
taking  it  by  surprise,  as  contemplated  by  Shirley, 
appeared  entirely  futile. 

As  a  decoy  to  French  merchantmen,  the  French  flag 


;  ' 


If* 

f 


5  !■  fl 


i\ 


104 


LIFE   OP  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


was  kept  flying;  and  the  value  of  all  the  rich  prizes 
taken  by  this  stratagem  was  estimated  at  a  million  of 
dollars,  half  of  which  went  to  the  crown  and  the  other 
half  to  the  naval  captors.  i  l, 

The  provincial  army  marched  into  the  fortress  at  the 
south-west  gate,  and  paraded  in  a  line  between  the 
caz  mates  in  front  of  the  French  troops,  who  were 
drawn  up  in  front  of  the  barracks  in  a  parallel  line  to 
receive  them.  Salutations  were  exchanged,  and  formal 
possession  taken.  i>     ^      an, 

A  banquet  was  prepared  by  Pepperrell  for  the 
officers.  Several  chaplains  were  present,  and  the  senior 
one,  old  Parson  Moody  of  York,  the  uncle  of  Mrs. 
Pepperrell,  was  of  right  called  upon  to  crave  the 
blessing.  Moody's  friends  were  anxious  lest  he  should 
disgust  the  guests  by  a  prolix  performance,  such  as  he 
often  indulged  in  ;  but  his  temper  was  so  irritable  that 
none  would  suggest  that  brevity  would  be  acceptable. 
They  were  agreeably  disappointed  and  highly  gratified 
by  his  performing  in  the  following  manner :  "  Good 
Lord !  we  have  so  many  things  to  thank  thee  for,  that 
time  will  be  infinitely  too  short  to  do  it ;  we  must  there- 
fore leave  it  for  the  work  of  eternity.  Bless  our  food 
and  fellowship  upon  this  joyful  occasion,  for  the  sake 
of  Christ  our  Lord,  Amen."        .  ,:..,.. 

[Official  Report  of  the  Victory  to  Governor  Shirley.] 

June  18.  —  "  May  it  please  your  Excellency,  it  is  with 
the  utmost  pleasure  that  I  now  congratulate  you  and 
my  country  on  the  happy  issue  of  our  enterprise 
against  Louisburg,  which  was  effected  through  God's 
goodness  by  the  surrender  of  this  strong  fortress,  etc., 
on  the  16th  instant,  upon  terms  of  capitulation  agreed 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


105 


to  with  the  governor  of  said  place,  by  Commodore 
Warren,  and  myself,  a  copy  of  which  I  have  inclosed 
to  your  Excellency ;  and  accordingly  the  fleet  came  into 
the  harbor,  and  a  detachment  of  our  troops  with  myself 
entered  the  town  yesterday  and  this  morning.  The 
French  troops  marched  out  and  were  embarked  on 
board  the  ships.  We  are  with  all  possible  speed 
removing  every  thing  from  the  camp  into  town,  and  are 
taking  an  account  of  the  state  of  the  garrison  and  of 
stores  found  here,  which  I  shall  send  with  this,  if  it  can 
be  accomplished  in  season.  We'  find  our  shot  and 
bombs  have  prodigiously  distressed  and  damaged  the 
enemy.  The  circular  battery  is  almost  entirely  demol- 
ished ;  but  I  must  omit  particulars.  Many  of  our  army 
will  be  impatient  to  return  home.  I  desire  your  direc- 
tions on  that  head,  also  relating  to  Canso,  etc.,  etc.  I 
shall  forthwith  forward  despatches  to  the  Duke  of 
Newcastle  to  inform  his  Grace  of  our  success  and 
situation. 

"  I  need  not  again  express  to  you.  Sir,  that  I  esteem 
it  of  the  happiest  consequence  that  his  Majesty's  ships 
were  sent  here  under  the  command  of  a  gentleman 
whose  distinguished  merit  and  goodness  New  England 
claims  a  particular  right  to  honor  and  rejoice  in.  I 
should  want  words  to  express  the  instances  of  his  zeal 
in  the  affair,  and  the  entire  readiness  he  has  shown 
through  the  whole  of  it,  to  give  the  army  all  possible 
assistance,  but  to  your  Excellency  and  every  one  who 
knows  him,  it  is  enough  to  say.  Commodore  Warren 
was  here.  I  was  favored  with  his  company  on  shore 
the  day  Mr,  Duchambon  sent  out  his  first  letter  desiring 
suspension  of  hostilities,  and  we  had  just  before,  agreed 
upon  a  general  attack  by  land  and  sea  the  first  oppor- 
tunity ;  but  heaven  has  given  us  an  easier  victory  than 


,  t 


I  ■ 


sf 


,.  \- 


ij  ^r 


m 
m 

m 
m 


m 


106 


LIFE  OP  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRriLL. 


that  might  probably  have  been.  We  have  not  lost 
above  one  hundred  men  by  the  enemy  in  this  vast 
enterprise,  including  the  disaster  at  the  island  battery." 
After  speaking  of  the  wants  of  provisions,  flags,  and 
building  materials  to  make  the  necessary  repairs,  he 
adds :  "  I  believe  such  ruins  were  never  seen  before, 
which,  however,  is  not  to  be  wondered  at,  as  we  gave 
the  town  about  nine  thousand  cannon  balls  and  six 
hundred  bombs  before  they  surrendered,  which  sorely 
distressed  them,  especially  the  day  before  they  sent  out 
a  flag  of  truce,  when  our  incessant  fire  on  the  town 
prevented  their  showing  their  heads  or  stirring  from 
their  covert  ways,  and  from  our  light-house  battery  we 
played  upon  the  island  battery  with  our  cannon  and 
large  mortar,  so  that  some  of  them  i  into  the  sea  for 
shelter." 

To  Governor  Wentworth  of  New  Hampshire  and 
Governor  Law  of  Connecticut  he  sends  an  oflicial  report 
of  the  victory,  the  terms  of  capitulation,  and  says,  "  The 
next  day  the  ships  entered  the  harbor,  and  a  detachment 
of  the  troops  with  myself  marched  into  town."  Says 
their  respective  troops  of  each  State  have  been  always 
ready  to  take  their  share  of  fatigue.  Compliments 
Commodore  Warren  as  having  done  every  thing  in  his 
power. 


[Letter  to  Governor  Wanton.] 

Louisburg,  Jtilif  25,  1745.    •  ; 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  :  — 

I  received  your  favor  of  the  29th  of  June  per  Captain 
Mumford,  and  congratulate  you  and  the  gentlemen  of 
Rhode  Island  colony  upon  the  happy  success  of  his 
Majesty's  arms  in  the  reduction  of  this  place  and  terri- 
tories adjacent,  an  account  of  which  I  am  sensible  has 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


107 


reached  you  some  time  since,  and  am  persuaded  was 
received  with  that  pleasure  which  must  fill  the  breast 
of  all  his  Majesty's  subjects,  and  of  every  wellwisher 
to  the  prosperity  of  the  colonies.  The  three  companies 
raised  in  your  colony  for  our  assistance,  with  commis- 
sion from  you,  (whose  advancement  to  the  chair  of 
government  I  beg  leave  tc  congratulate  you  on,)  arrived 
here  last  week,  and  you  may  be  assured  shall  have  my 
favor  and  countenance  in  every  thing  in  my  power.  I 
have  transmitted  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle  an  account 
of  our  success,  and  of  the  present  condition  of  this 
place,  and  am  persuaded  speedy  measures  will  be 
taken  for  the  support  and  defence  of  it.  But  until  his 
Majesty's  pleasure  is  known  it  will  be  necessary  to  keep 
a  large  body  of  troops  here,  and  as  many  of  those  who 
first  came  have  been  detained  beyond  what  they  ex- 
pected, they  will  be  impatient  to  return  to  their  families, 
which  will  render  a  supply  of  fresh  troops  necessary,  it 
being  somewhat  doubtful  if  any  can  be  sent  from 
Europe  this  year.  A  great  stock  of  provisions  and 
warlike  stores  to  be  laid  in  here  before  the  fall  is  far 
advanced,  is  also  necessary.  I  think  there  ought  to  be 
at  least  twelve  or  fifteen  months'  provisions  for  three  or 
four  thousand  men,  and  I  flatter  myself  that  those 
governments  who  have  been  ready  to  join  their  assist- 
ance for  the  reduction  of  this  place,  will  not  be  back- 
ward in  aflbrding  their  aid  in  what  may  be  necessary 
for  keeping  it  from  ever  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
French  again.  You  will  hear  by  the  way  of  Boston  of 
the  taking  a  ship  off  this  harbor  two  days  since,  which 
proved  to  be  a  very  rich  Indiaman. 

I  am.  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

William  Pepperreli* 


n 


1:1 


4!i 


Mi, 


s 


t  -  a 

I 


m 


5i    «H" 


108 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


Captain  Bennet  was  despatched  to  Boston  with  an 
account  of  the  conquest,  and  arrived  on  the  3d  of  July 
about  one  in  the  morning.  Before  sunrise  bells  were 
ringing,  and  cannon  roaring,  and  joyful  faces  crowding 
the  streets  with  shouts  of  victory.  The  Rev.  Dr. 
Chauncy  writes  to  Pepperrell  on  the  4th  of  July :  "  I 
heartily  congratulate  you  upon  the  news  we  received 
yesterday  about  break  of  day,  of  the  reduction  of  Cape 
Breton.  The  people  of  Boston,  before  sunrise,  were  as 
thick  about  the  streets  as  on  an  election  day,  and  a 
pleasing  joy  visibly  sat  on  the  countenance  of  every  one 
met  with. 

"  As  God  has  made  you  an  instrument  of  so  much 
service  to  your  country,  at  the  hazard  of  your  life,  and 
the  expense  of  great  labor  and  fatigue,  your  name  is 
deservedly  and  universally  spoken  of  with  respect,  and 
I  doubt  not  will  be  handed  down  with  honor  to  the 
latest  posterity. 

"  We  had,  last  night,  the  finest  illumination  I  ever 
beheld  with  my  eyes.  I  believe  there  was  not  a  house 
in  town,  in  no  by-lane  or  alley,  but  joy  might  be  seen 
through  its  windows.  The  night  also  was  made  joyful 
by  bonfires,  fireworks,  and  all  other  external  tokens  of 
rejoicing.  But  I  hope  we  shall  in  a  better  manner  still 
commemorate  the  goodness  of  God  in  this  remarkable 
victory  obtained  against  our  enemies.  I  hear  next 
Thursday  is  set  apart  for  a  day  of  general  thanksgiving 
through  the  province ;  and  I  believe  there  is  not  a  man, 
in  the  country  but  will  heartily  join  in  thanksgivings  to 
God  for  his  appearance  on  our  behalf."  The  letter 
concludes  with  the  highest  encomiums  upon  Commo- 
dore Warren's  character,  and  his  good  conduct  in  the 
siege. 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


109 


The  news  of  this  brilliant  achievement  filled  America 
with  joy,  and  Europe  with  astonishment.  Not  only 
Boston,  but  New  York  and  Philadelphia  celebrated  it 
with  ringing  of  bells,  firing  of  salutes,  and  illuminations. 
Volumes  of  congratulatory  letters  poured  in  upon  Pep- 
perrell  from  towns,  corporations,  and  distinguished  citi- 
zens, and  a  day  was  set  apart  for  thanksgiving  in  most 
of  the  New  England  colonies.  On  the  arrival  of  Cap- 
tain Montague,  who  went  express  with  the  news  of  the 
surrender  to  London,  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the 
Admiralty  made  him  a  present  of  five  hundred  guineas; 
the  cannon  of  the  Tower  and  Park  were  fired  by  order 
of  the  Lords  of  the  Regency ;  at  night  there  were  great 
rejoicings  with  illuminations  and  bonfires  in  the  city 
and  in  places  adjacent,  and  a  general  joy  and  gladness 
diffused  itself  through  the  whole  kingdom.  Almost 
every  city  presented  congratulatory  addresses  to  the 
king  on  his  return  from  Hanover.  Despatches  had 
been  previously  sent  to  him  while  there,  on  receiving 
which,  he  expressed  the  highest  satisfaction,  and 
ordered  it  to  be  signified  to  the  commanders  and 
other  officers  and  men,  by  sea  and  land,  who  had 
been  instrumental  therein.  Order  was  given  that 
General  Pepperrell  be  directed  to  acquaint  the  officers 
with  his  Majesty's  gracious  approbation  of  their  ser- 
vices on  this  occasion ;  and  in  further  testimony  how 
acceptable  this  important  acquisition  was  to  his  Maj- 
esty, a  patent  was  sent  from  Hanover  creating  General 
Pepperrell  a  Baronet  of  Great  Britain,  an  honor  never 
before  conferred  on  a  native  of  America.  Commodore 
Warren  was  promoted  to  be  Admiral,  and  was  recom- 
mended by  the  Lords  Justices  to  be  appointed  gov- 
ernor of  the  place,  which  was  accordingly  done  the 
following  year,  until  which  time,  the   government  of 

10 


110 


LIFE  OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERREiiL. 


I 


Cape  Breton  was  administered  by  Warren  and  Pepper- 
reil  conjointly.  "  > 

To  Pepperrell  was  given  a  commission  to  raise 
and  command  a  regiment  in  the  British  line.  Gov- 
ernor Shirley  also  received  a  colonel's  commission, 
as  a  reward  for  his  services  in  projecting  and  promot- 
ing the  expedition. 


/ 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


Ill 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  weather,  which  through  the  last  forty  days  of 
the  siege  was  remarkably  fine  for  the  season,  soon 
changed,  and  an  incessant  rain  of  ten  days  succeeded. 
Had  this  happened  before  the  surrender,  hundreds  then 
sick  with  the  dysentery  must  have  perished.  There 
was,  throughout  the  expedition,  a  favorable  concurrence 
of  circumstances,  some  of  them  nowise  dependent 
upon  human  action  or  foresight,  and  the  hand  of  Provi- 
dence was  never  more  visible.  "  If  any  one  circum- 
stance," says  Douglas,  "  had  taken  a  A\Tong  turn  on  our 
side,  or  if  any  one  circumstance  had  taken  a  right  turn 
on  the  French  side,  the  expedition  must  have  miscar- 
ried." The  general  attributed  the  event  to  nothing  less 
than  divine  interposition,  in  answer  to  the  prayers  that 
were  offered  up  daily  by  the  people  throughout  New 
England,  and  weekly  in  meetings  of  most  of  the  relig- 
ious societies  specially  convened  for  the  purpose. 

Sir  William  and  the  Admiral  were  highly  compli- 
mented by  the  Duke  of  Newcastle  and  others,  as  will 
presently  appear,  for  their  harmonious  cooperation  for 
the  good  of  the  service  at  Louisburg.  More  credit  is, 
however,  due  to  Pepperrell  in  this  particular  than  to 
Warren.  They  both  strove  to  be  faithful  to  their  trust, 
but  Warren  knew  less  of  character  and  the  springs  of 
human  action  than  Pepperrell.  He  never  could  have 
raised  an  army  of  volunteers  like  Pepperrell's,  nor  have 
controlled  them  by  such  gentle  measures.     Not  a  single 


mi 


m 


m 


n>  i 


m 


**■),, 
m 


112 


LIFE  OF  SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


i: 


soldier  was  punished  till  long  after  the  capitulation. 
Accustomed  to  command  rough  and  turbulent  sailors, 
Warren  knew  little  how  to  discipline  men  otherwise 
than  by  main  force.  Nor  could  he  like  Pepperrell,  treat 
those  near  him  in  rank,  when  their  opinions  ran  counter 
to  his,  with  due  courtesy  and  respect.  He  had  the 
fortiter  in  re,  but  not  the  suaviter  in  moilo  of  Pepperrell, 
as  was  manifested  on  several  occasions.  . 

Pepperrell  received  a  morose  letter  from  Warren, 
reflecting  on  him  and  his  council,  the  nature  of  which 
appears  in  the  following  reply,  which  shows  his  imper- 
turbable spirit  and  self-possession,  as  compared  with 
the  petulance  of  the  commodore. 

July  18.  —  To  Commodore  Warren  :  "  Yours  of  the 
16th  instant  I  received  yesterday  afternoon.  I  never 
doubted  of  your  hearty  concern  for  having  this  con- 
quest duly  secured  and  settled  to  the  best  advantage  ab 
speedily  as  possible,  and  of  your  readiness  to  contribute 
every  thing  in  your  power  thereto,  and  am  sorry  your 
letter  discovers  any  thing  like  an  apprehension  in  you 
that  I  am  not  equally  so,  but  as  I  join  with  you  entirely 
that  it  is  best  to  act  in  an  amicable  ind  friendly 
manner  towards  each  other  as  we  have  hitherto  done, 
I  will  at  present  pass  by  the  reflections  therein  on  my 
own  and  my  council's  conduct. 

"  I  find.  Sir,  the  particulars  that  give  you  great  con- 
cern are,  that  we  make  so  little  advances  in  settling  this 
place ;  that  the  army  are  in  want  of  some  necessaries, 
and  you  apprehend  are  not  duly  supplied  with  others ; 
and  that  so  many  of  the  men  have  been  allowed  to 
return  home.  As  to  the  first,  as  you  have  not  pointed 
out  any  particular  instance  of  my  backwardness,  I  am  at 
a  loss  to  know  what  you  refer  to.  We  have,  together 
and  separately,  represented  the  state  of  this  place,  and 


SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST   OP   LOUIS 


what  is  necessary  to  be  done  for  its  onconrageinpnt.  both 
to  the  ministry  at  home,  and  to  the  several  goveii.  n^'nts 
of  New  England,  and  are  waiting  their  answers.  In  the 
mean  time  the  army  is  employed  in  such  works  as  his 
Majesty's  engineer  thinks  most  necessary,  and  as  I 
have  before  mentioned  to  you,  I  am  ready  to  give  all 
the  encouragement  in  my  power  to  any  persons  that 
shall  appear  willing  to  settle  here.  As  to  the  army's 
wanting  necessaries,  it  gives  me  as  much  uneasiness  as 
it  possibly  can  you,  and  would  give  me  more  had  I  not 
made  repeated  pressing  requests  to  Governor  Shirley 
for  supplies,  some  part  of  which  have  arrived,  and 
I  daily  expect  more,  and  in  the  mean  time  shall  do  my 
utmost  to  make  them  easy  under  the  want  of  them, 
and  as  to  their  not  being  duly  supplied  with  what  we 
have,  I  have  made  inquiry,  and  do  not  find  any  blame 
due  to  the  commissaries  in  that  respect. 

"  As  to  the  men  sent  home,  which  are  about  seven 
hundred,  they  were  many  of  them  sick  and  lame  and 
otherwise  incapable  of  duty,  and  the  rest  such  as  the 
circumstances  of  their  families  would  have  rendered  it 
cruel  to  detain  them  here,  without  an  absolute  necessity 
which  I  did  not  apprehend,  as  we  have  above  three 
thousand  troops  now  on  the  spot,  and  more  coming  in 
every  day.  I  have  been  and  shall  always  be  ready  to 
advise  with  you  and  communicate  the  advice  of  my 
council,  and  shall  readily  join  with  you  in  prosecuting 
any  thing  that  can  be  done  for  his  Majesty's  service  in 
regulating,  securing,  and  settling  this  important  and 
glorious  conquest." 

Almost  every  published  history  of  the  siege  and  con- 
quest of  Louisburg  speaks,  as  already  stated,  of  a  con- 
tention between  the  two  commanders  for  the  honor  of 
receiving  the  keys.     Some  rumor  of  the  kind  probably 

10* 


114 


LIFE  OF  8IR   WILLIAM   PEI'PERRELL. 


rtmchrd  Boston,  wliicli,  in  the  highly  excited*  stato  of 
the  public  iniiui,  eiikiiKliecl  a  Maine  of  indignation 
against  Warren,  and  evoiied  censures  upon  Pepperrell, 
for  having,  as  was  supposed,  yieUied  to  him. 

The  folU)\viMg  i(^tter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Chauney  is  a  speci- 
men of  the  feeling  existing  at  the  time,  written  only 
two  or  three  weeks  after  his  congratulations  to  Pepper- 
rell, and  his  encomiums  upon  Warren,  and  verifies  the 
remark  of  an  eminent  statesman,  that  "error  may  travel 
far,  whilst  truth  is  pulling  on  its  boots."  In  this  case 
truth  has  never  overtaken  and  entirely  corrected  it. 

"  It  is  commonly  talked  in  town,"  says  Chauncy, 
"  that  the  keijs  of  Louisburg"  ivere  dcliverrd,  not  to  i/ou, 
but  to  Commodore  Warren,  and  that  he  has  acted  too 
much  as  though  the  command  of  the  place  belonged  to 
him.  You  will  see  the  sense  of  both  branches  of  the 
legislature  upon  this  head,  in  their  address  to  the  gov- 
ernor to  go  to  Cape  Breton.  It  is,  indeed,  highlt/ 
.resented  by  every  New  England  man  in  Boston,  that  Mr. 
Warren  should  pretend  to  assume  the  government  at 
Louisburg,  and  he  has  lost  a  great  deal  of  credit  in  the 
affair,  and  some  things  are  said  to  your  disadvantage, 
for  not  exerting  yourself  for  the  honor  of  New  England 
upon  this  occasion.  How  far  you  did  exert  yourself 
we  do  not  indeed  know ;  but  your  best  friends  wish 
you  had  insisted  upon  the  preeminence  due  to  you  and 
the  troops  under  your  command,  so  as  even  to  have 
given  up  the  capitulation  if  it  had  not  been  conceded 
to.  If  the  high-admiral  of  England  had  been  there,  he 
would  not  have  had  the  least  right  to  command  anyivhere 
but  in  his  own  ships.  How  far  a  certain  colonel  (Brad- 
street)  may  have  had  an  hand  in  making  mischief  we 
know  not.  But  some  of  your  very  good  friends  are  of 
opinion,  that  affairs  would  have  been  managed  full  as 


SIEOE  AND  CONQUEST   OF  LOllSDURQ. 


115 


wf'll  if  he  had  not  been  there,  or  leaa  regard  had  been 
paid  to  him." 

Rev.  PiolV'i^sor  Henry  Flynt,  towards  the  conclusion 
of  a  eonj^afulutory  hotter,  writes:  "You  need  nothing 
more  to  add  to  the  glory  of  your  life,  but  a  heart  full  of 
humble  and  permanent  gratitude  to  Almighty  (Jotl  who 
has  improved  you  as  a  remarkable  instrument  to  bring 
about  this  happy  event,  so  glorious  to  yourself,  your 
king,  and  country.  Our  joy  was  something  abated  in 
hearing  of  misimderslandinfj^  between  yourself  and  the 
commodore,  but  revived  (ijLfain  ivhen  tve  iiiere  informed 
there  mere  so  little  g^round  for  those  reports."  Pepper- 
rell,  as  already  stated,  marched  into  the  city  at  tin;  hour 
he  had  named  to  the  governor,  received  the  keys,  and 
some  weeks  after  passed  them  over  to  Shirley,  and  no 
objection  appears  to  have  been  made  to  it  by  Warren. 

It  must  be  admitted  that  Pepperell's  situation  Vv^as 
surrounded  with  trials  and  dilliculties,  which  required  the 
utmost  patience  and  forbearance,  and  such  as  few  com- 
manders could  have  managed  successfully.  Many  of 
his  officers  and  men  were  personal  acquaintances  and 
neighbors,  with  whom  he  was  again  to  mingle,  after 
their  return  from  the  scene  of  war,  and  they  would  not 
endure  the  severities  of  military  discipline  usually 
required  in  a  siege.  The  daily  jars  arising  between 
both  officers  and  men,  who  had  left  their  comfortable 
firesiiles  to  follow  him  to  scenes  of  danger  and  priva- 
tion, required  his  utmost  skill  and  tact  to  settle  them 
amicably.  Added  to  this  were  the  daily  supervision 
necessary  in  every  department  of  the  service,  daily 
sittings  of  the  council  of  war,  frequent  correspondence 
with  the  governors  of  New  FiUgland  and  with  Warren, 
the  heavy  responsibility  and  anxiety  working  upon  his 
mind  as  to  the  result  of  the  enterprise,  the  deficiency  of 


m 


116 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


timely  supplies  of  provisions  and  munitions  of  war, 
together  with  broken  sleep  under  a  tent,  and  the 
frequent  occurrence  of  accidents  and  disasters,  were  col- 
lectively sufficient  to  exhaust  the  energies  of  any  man. 
Yet  nothing  seemed  to  disturb  his  equanimity,  and 
nothing  like  complaint  escaped  from  his  lips  or  pen, 
with  one  or  two  exceptions,  throughout  the  siege. 

The  officers  of  Pepperrell's  army  requested  Governor 
Shirley,  soon  after  the  capitulation,  to  visit  Louisburg. 
Sickness  had  commenced  among  the  troops,  and  they 
were  discontented  and  dissatisfied  at  their  detention 
beyond  the  time  for  which  they  enlisted,  which  was 
during  the  expedition.  Those  from  Massachusetts 
received  only  twenty-five  shillings  a  month  ;  those  from 
Connecticut  forty ;  and  those  from  Rhode  Island  fifty 
shillings,  which  occasioned  great  discontent.  Shirley 
raised  the  pay  of  those  of  his  own  State  to  forty 
shillings,  which  quieted  their  almost  open  rebellion. 
On  his  return  to  Boston  the  governor  addressed  the 
legislature  then  assembled,  in  a  speech  which  furnishes 
some  interesting  historical  facts.  After  congratulat- 
ing them  on  the  conquest,  and  repeating  the  high 
encomiums  bestowed  on  their  zeal  and  patriotism  by 
the  king,  which  were  by  his  order  transmitted  by 
the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  announcing  also  the  honors 
conferred  on  Pepperrell  and  Warren,  he  adds,  that 
Governor  Thomas  of  Pennsylvania,  and  Governor 
Clinton  of  New  York,  had  sent  clothing,  and  that  pro- 
visions had  arrived  there  from  the  provinces  of  New 
York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Virginia,  which 
were  granted  by  those  respective  governments  for  the 
use  of  the  garrison ;  that  he  had  raised  three  hundred 
and  twenty-nine  recruits,  and  Connecticut  one  hundred 
and  seventy,  to  relieve  the  soldiers  there ;  that  he  had 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


117 


transmitted  to  his  Majesty  a  full  account  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  New  England  troops  during  the  late 
siege,  from  the  time  of  their  landing  at  Cabarus  Bay  to 
the  surrender  of  the  town.  And  he  adds :  "  I  have 
the  satisfaction  to  declare,  from  the  knowledge  I  gained 
upon  the  spot,  that  their  conduct  and  behavior  have 
been  such  as  will  reflect  a  lasting  honor  upon  the  colo- 
nies to  which  the  troops  respectively  belong ;  that  the 
difficulties  they  grappled  with,  the  toils  and  fatigues 
they  underwent  during  the  seven  weeks'  siege,  required 
the  most  unwearied  perseverance  and  fixed  resolution, 
as  well  as  bravery,  and  such  as  none  but  men  deter- 
mined by  the  help  of  Divine  Providence  to  conquer, 
and  I  think  I  may,  without  partiality  to  them,  say,  none 
but  themselves  would  have  surmounted." 

As  already  mentioned,  several  rich  prizes  were,  by 
keeping  the  French  flag  hoisted,  decoyed  into  Louis- 
burg  and  captured  by  the  British  fleet,  amounting  to 
the  sum  of  a  million  of  dollars.*  The  proceeds  of  sales 
were  divided,  one  half  to  the  crown,  and  the  other  half 
exclusively  among  the  officers  and  crews  of  the  fleet. 
This  was  probably  in  accordance  with  naval  rules,  but 
in  the  present  case  was  any  thing  but  fair,  since  but  for 
the  toil  and  enterprise  of  the  army,  the  fortress  had  not 
been  taken,  with  its  flagstaffs  to  hoist  false  colors  upon. 
To  use  a  homely  expression,  the  army  "beat  the  bush" 
and  the  navy  "  caught  the  bird."  Some  portion  of  the 
prize  money  ought  in  equity  to  have  been  distributed 
among  the  provincials,  but  they  were  told  that  their 
portion  of  the  plunder  was  to  be  gathered  on  the  land. 


.,'i' 


*Two  East  India  ships,  amounting  in  value  to  175,000/.,  and  the 
South  Sea  ship,  decoyed  by  Fletcher  in  thq  Boston  packet  under  the 
guns  of  the  fleet,  and  taken  August  22d,  was  valued  at  800,000/. 


;     I" 


1:11 


118 


LIFE   OF  SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


ill  . 

11: 


Iji 


and  that  the  crown  would  probably  divide  the  Island  of 
Cape  Breton  among  the  soldiers.  The  only  thing  they 
however  realized  was  a  mere  trifle  accruing  from  the 
sale  of  provisions  and  clothing  which  the  commissary 
department  purchased  of  them  at  auction. 

In  September  it  was  resolved  by  the  council  to  send 
three  hundred  to  four  hundred  troops  to  St.  Johns' 
Island  (Prince  Edward's)  to  take  possession.  In  Octo- 
ber the  cannon  and  stores  were  ordered  from  Canso  to 
Louisburg,  and  also  from  the  grand  battery  as  well  as 
the  palisadoes  and  fascines  that  had  been  provided 
before  the  surrender  of  the  city.  The  cannon  from  the 
grand  battery  were  returned  and  remounted  there  the 
following  March. 

August  6.  —  Sir  William  notifies  Governor  Shirley 
of  a  reported  army  of  ten  thousand  being  on  their  way 
from  Quebec  to  the  English  frontiers,  adding,  — 

"  My  chief  fear  is,  that  the  Canada  men  who  lately 
besieged  Annapolis  will  soon  ruin  the  frontier  of  Maine. 
Our  army  is  extremely  destitute ;  appearances  alone, 
without  hearing  their  frequent  complaints,  would  move 
the  pity  of  any  one  of  the  least  compassion.  Soldiers 
are  almost  naked,  many  of  them  barefooted.  Of  the 
shoes  sent,  only  about  four  and  a  half  pairs  to  a  com- 
pany, and  these  too  small.  This  climate  is  very  subject 
to  fogs  and  rains.  Want  of  clothing,  good  lodging, 
and  good  water,  and  the  noisomeness  of  the  town, 
occasioned  by  so  long  a  siege,  with  disappointment  at 
not  being  able  to  return,  so  sinks  their. spirits  that  they 
are  daily  falling  sick.  There  is  a  general  dissatisfaction 
and  uneasiness  in  the  army  as  a  consequence,  and 
unless  speedy  care  be  taken  to  redress  grievances,  the 
consequences  will  be  fatal.  The  pay  of  Massachusetts 
troops  must  be  on  a  par  with  that  of  Rhode  Island  and 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


119 


Connecticut.    New  levies  must  be  raised,  and  provisions 
and  clothing  sent  forthwith." 

[Official  Account  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  by  Commodore  Warren  and 

General  Pepperrell.] 

June  18. 

May  it  please  your  Grace:  — 

We  presume  you  have  beta  made  acquainted,  by 
Governor  Shirley,  of  the  expedition  intended  against 
Louisburg  and  the  territory  thereunto  belonging.  We 
have  now  only  time  to  congratulate  your  Grace  on  the 
success  of  his  Majesty's  arms  by  the  surrender  of  said 
place  on  the  16th  instant,  after  a  siege  of  forty-nine 
days,  on  terms  of  capitulation,  a  copy  of  which  we 
inclose  to  your  Grace.  The  repeated  timely  assistance 
of  the  squadron  of  his  Majesty's  ships  sent  here, 
deserves  our  most  grateful  acknowledgments.  The 
acquisition  of  this  strong  fortress  which  much  exceeds 
our  most  extended  apprehensions,  will,  we  are  per- 
suaded, be  thought  of  great  advantage  to  his  Majesty's 
dominions,  especially  in  North  America,  and  that 
immediate  care  will  be  taken  for  the  defence  thereof,, 
by  the  nation ;  also  that  his  Majesty's  subjects  who' 
voluntarily  engaged  in  the  expedition  will  be  entitled 
to  such  favor  from  his  Majesty  as  will  animate  them  to* 
make  further  progress  against  the  settlements  of  the- 
French  in  America,  and  flatter  ourselves  that  his 
Majesty  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  approve  of,  by 
confirming  such  persons  in  their  posts  for  their  zeal  and 
good  behavior,  as  we  from  personal  observation  take 
leave  to  recommend  to  his  favor. 

June  26.  •  -  To  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the 
Admiralty,  Pepperrell  repeats  the  substance  of  the  joint 
letter  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle.     Compliments  War- 


■f 


ft 
1 


'  J 


m 

T  ] 

i 


i 


r 


120 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


' 


n 


ren,  speaks  of  the  value  of  the  conquest,  and  of  the 
readiness  of  the  New  England  troops  to  make  further 
acquisitions. 

June  28.  —  Pepperrell  writes  to  the  Duke  of  New- 
castle a  separate  letter  corresponding  with  the  joint  one, 
and  speaks  more  particularly  of  the  hard  services  of 
the  provincials,  what  they  had  done,  etc.,  and  compli- 
ments Warren.  ■    *;    '  ' 

June  29.  —  To  Governor  Shirley  :  "  The  council 
advises  earnestly  to  request  you  to  visit  Louisburg. 
Commodore  Warren  sent  Captain  Montague,  on  22d, 
to  England,  and  has  ordered  Rouse  to  proceed  with  a 
duplicate."        i     ?  -     » 

July  4.  —  A  duplicate  by  Rouse,  and  which  also 
advises  the  establishment  of  two  provincial  regiments, 
and  to  send  one  of  regulars,  to  protect  the  place ;  men- 
tions the  condition  and  wants  of  the  fortress  and  need 
of  supplies,  and  recommends  Captain  Rouse  to  favor, 
and  to  have  the  command  of  a  snow.  Same  day 
writes  to  Governor  Shirley  pressingly  for  supplies,  and 
for  his  presence.  Says  Mr.  Duchambon  and  all  the 
French  are  off,  the  officers  and  families  in  the  Laun- 
ceston.  .'..>.-    ■ 

July  8.  —  Repeats  the  r^equest  for  more  supplies ;  says 
the  army  is  very  destitute  and  is  impatient  to  get 
home. 

July  9.  —  To  Governor  Mascarene  giving  account  of 
the  victory. 

July  18.  —  To  Governor  Shirley.  Calls  for  more 
stores,  and  rum,  and  molasses.  Says  Fletcher  has 
taken  a  large  schooner  at  St.  Anna,  laden  with  pro- 
visions from  Quebec.  He  adds :  "  I  design  the  army 
shall  join  with  our  country,  to-morrow,  in  thankfully 
acknowledging  the  special  favor  of  Divine  Providence 


/■ 


of 

)re 
las 
ro- 


SIEOE   AND   CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


121 


that  has  most  remarkably  attended  our  labors  in  this 
expedition." 

[To  Governor  Wanton  of  Rhode  Island.] 

September  13. 

Sir,  —  I  received  with  pleasure  your  letter  congratu- 
latory upon  the  success  of  his  Majesty's  arms  under  my 
command  here,  and  as  you  express  the  full  sense  your 
colony  has  of  the  consequences  of  this  acquisition  to 
the  trade  and  security  of  the  plantations,  etc.,  and  your 
readiness  to  support  the  troops  lately  sent  here  by  your 
government  if  his  Majesty  shall  judge  it  necessary.     I 
take  this  opportunity  to  mention  to  you  that  it  is  uncer- 
tain when  his  Majesty's  pleasure  will  be  known,  but  it 
is  my  opinion  that  the  continuance  of  your  troops  here, 
and  your  support  of  them  till  that  time,  will  be  accept- 
able  to   the   king,  and  that,   therefore,  you   make  the 
speediest  provision  of  various  kinds,  of  good  bedding 
and  serviceable  warm   clothing  fit  for  soldiers  in  this 
most    inclement    climate.      There   is   a  deficiency   of 
twenty-eight  men  in  the  companies  you  sent,  as  by  the 
memorandum   given   me   by  Captain    Smith.     I   hope 
you  will  not  fail  to  supply  them  as  soon  as  possible, 
especially  as  there  is  a  squadron  of  French  men-of-war 
on  our  coast,  who  may  make  some  sudden  and  bold 
push  to  our  disadvantage,  if  the  garrison  be  not  well 
manned.     Or  should  they  not  attempt  it  until  spring,, 
it  may  happen  that  they  will  come  before  recruits  from 
New  England  can  arrive. 

Yours,  etc., 
^,  *  William  Pepperrell. 

11 


.ill 


100 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


[Letter  from  the  Duke  of  Newcastle.] 

Whitehall,  August  10,  1745. 

Sir,  —  I  received  on  the  20th  of  last  month  per  Cap- 
tain Montague,  yours  and  Mr.  Warren's  joint  letter  of 
the  18th  of  June,  with  the  agreeable  news  of  the  reduc- 
tion of  the  fort  and  town  of  Louisburg,  and  of  the  terri- 
tory thereunto  belonging  to  his  Majesty's  obedience,  and 
I  had  by  the  same  opportunity  your  separate  letter  of  the 
same  date.  On  the  20th  Captain  Geary  arrived,  and 
brought  me  your  letter  of  June  28th,  and  yours  and  Mr. 
Warren's  joint  letter  of  July  4th,  with  duplicates  of  your 
former  despatches.  I  laid  them  all  immediately  before 
the  Lords  Justices,  who  had  the  greatest  joy  in  an 
event  which  does  so  much  honor  to  his  Majesty's  arm.«, 
and  may  be  attended  with  such  happy  consequences  to 
the  trade  and  commerce  of  his  Majesty's  subjects ;  and 
their  Excellencies  recommended  to  me  in  a  particular 
manner,  to  assure  you  of  the  sense  they  have  of  your 
prudence,  courage,  and  conduct  which  contributed  so 
greatly  to  the  success  of  this  enterprise.  As  I  lost  no 
time  in  transmitting  copies  of  your  despatches  to  my 
Lord  Harrington  at  Hanover,  to  be  laid  before  the  king, 
I  have  now  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  the  news 
of  the  reduction  of  Louisburg  was  received  by  his 
Majesty  with  the  highest  satisfaction,  which  the  king 
has  commanded  should  be  signified  to  all  the  com- 
manders and  other  officers,  both  of  land  and  sea,  who 
were  instrumental  therein :  in  consequence  of  which,  I 
am  to  desire  you  would  acquaint  the  officers  under 
your  command  with  his  Majesty's  most  gracious  appro- 
bation of  their  services  upon  this  occasion.  It  is  a 
great  satisfaction  to  me  to  acquaint  you  that  his 
Majesty  has  thought  fit  to  distinguish  the  commanders- 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


123 


in-chief  of  this  expedition,  by  conferring  on  you  the 
dignity  of  a  Baronet  of  Great  Britain,  (upon  which  I 
beg  leave  most  sincerely  to  congratulate  you,)  and  by 
giving  a  flag  to  Mr.  Warren.     The  Lords  Justices  have 
thought  proper    to    recommend    Mr.   Warren   to   his 
Majesty  to  be  appointed  Governor  of  Louisburg,  and 
his  commission  for  that  purpose  will  be  sent  to  him  by 
the  first  opportunity.     The  Lords  Justices  had  under 
their  consideration  what  orders  might  be  necessary  to 
be  immediately  given  for  securing  this  important  con- 
quest, and  as  you  and  Mr.  Warren  have  represented  the 
necessity  of  establishing  a  garrison  of  regular  troops 
there,  their  Excellencies  have  ordered  two  regiments  to 
be   sent  thither  immediately  from  Gibraltar;  and   as 
orders  were  despatched  to  Gibraltar  on  the  27th  past,  to 
hold  the  regiments  in  readiness  to  embark  for  Cape 
Breton  immediately  upon  the  arrival  of  the  transports 
from  hence,  we  hope  they  may  arrive  at  Louisburg  in 
good  time.     Their  Excellencies  have  not  yet  received 
his  Majesty's  pleasure  with  regard  to  the  establishing 
one  or  more  regiments  of  the  New  England  forces  now 
at  Louisburg,  as  proposed  by  you  and  Mr.  Warren,  but 
no  time  will  be  lost  in  settling  that  affair ;  and  I  shall 
be  able  to  acquaint  you,  when  I  have  the  next  opportu- 
nity of  writing,  with  what  shall  have  been  determined 
therein.     In  the  mean  time  you  may  be  assured  that  in 
this  consideration   the   greatest  regard  will  be  had  to 
establish  a  sufficient  force  for  the  defence  of  this  im- 
portant place,  which  will  give  an  opportunity  to  distin- 
guish your  merit  and  signal  services,  and  also  that  of 
those  gentlemen  under  your  command,  who  have  be- 
haved so  well  in  the  service  of  their  king  and  country. 


'■'[  ii  I 


II 


124 


LIFE  OP  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


£Ilere  follows  a  short  detail  of  the  arrangements  for  supporting  the 
garrison  of  Louisburg,  and  for  the  adjustment  of  its  accounts.] 


•     •     a 


The  Lords  Justices  were  very  glad  to  find  that 
you  had  under  consideration  how  to  enter  upon  a  treaty 
with  the  Indians  in  the  interests  of  France.  And  I  am 
to  recommend  it  to  you  to  use  your  utmost  endeavors 
to  cultivate  and  improve  the  good  disposition  which 
you  think  they  have,  to  come  into  our  interest.  Direc- 
tions will  be  given  for  providing  here,  and  sending 
by  the  first  opportunity,  such  presents  as  are  usually 
made  to  those  people.  As  to  the  other  points  men- 
tioned in  your  letters,  particularly  the  establishing  of  a 
civil  government  at  Louisburg;  the  making  it  a  free 
port  for  a  certain  time;  the  giving  a  power  to  grant 
lands  to  such  of  his  Majesty's  subjects  as  should  be 
willing  to  settle  there,  etc.,  I  can  at  present  only 
acquaint  you  that  they  are  under  consideration,  and 
that  no  time  will  be  lost  in  coming  to  a  determination 
upon  them.  '-..       •     ' 

I  am  persuaded  it  is  unnecessary  for  me  to  recom- 
mend it  to  you  to  continue  to  employ  the  same  zeal, 
vigilance,  and  activity  you  have  already  exerted,  in 
doing  every  thing  that  shall  be  necessary  for  the  security 
and  preservation  of  Louisburg,  in  which  the  Lords  Jus- 
tices are  persuaded  that  you  and  Mr.  Warren  wil*  have 
the  hearty  concurrence  and  assistance  of  Governor 
Shirley,  who  has  had  so  great  a  share  in  the  forming 
and  carrying  into  execution  this  enterprise.  As  the 
perfect  union  and  harmony  which  has  happily  subsisted 
between  you  and  Mr.  Warren  has  so  eminently  con- 
tributed to  the  success  of  that  undertaking,  the  Lords 
Justices  have  the  firmest  confidence  that  the  same  good 
agreement  will  continue  betwee  i  you;  and  that  you 
will  employ  your  joint  endeavors  for  securing  in  the 


SIEGE  ANI)   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


125 


most  effectual  manner  the  valuable  acquisition  that  has 
been  made  by  his  Majesty's  forces  under  your  com- 
mand. 

I  am,  with  great  truth  and  regard,  Sir,  ».: ' 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

HoLLES,  Newcastle. 
'.  >  ' 

[Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Admiralty.] 

August  8, 1743. 

Sir,  —  I  have  received  and  communicated  to  my 
Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty,  your  letter  of 
the  28th  of  June,  giving  an  account  of  the  reduction  of 
Louisburg  and  the  territories  adjacent,  with  a  copy  of 
the  terms  of  capitulation,  and  am  commanded  by  their 
Lordships  to  congratulate  you  on  the  success  of  hid 
Majesty's  arms  in  that  expedition,  and  particularly  on 
the  part  you  have  had  in  it.  The  prudence  and  zeal 
with  which  Commodore  Warren  has  acted,  is  highly  to 
be  commended,  and  the  happy  harmony  which  has  sub- 
sisted between  you,  without  which  enterprises  of  war 
are  seldom  prosperous,  has  greatly  contributed  to  your 
success.  The  ministry  here  are  highly  sensible  of  the 
value  of  this  acquisition,  which  is  of  so  much  impor- 
tance to  the  trade  of  his  Majesty's  subjects  in.  North 
America,  and  have  already  ordered  two  legiments  from 
Gibraltar  to  be  canied  to  Louisburg  in  transports,  pro- 
vided here  for  that  purpose  under  a  proper  convoy,  and 
will,  I  make  no  doubt,  effectually  support  this  new  con- 
quest, and  reward  the  valor  of  the  officers  and  others 
concerned  in  it  equal  to  their  merit,  to  whom  Mr.  War- 
ren has  done  justice  in  his  letters ;  *  and  I  heartily  wish 


.    *  This  shows  that  Warren  wrote  very  favorably  of  the  Provincials. 
It  is  to  be  regretted  that  his  lettei-s  containing  his  opinion  of  Pepper- 

11* 


126 


LIFE   OF  SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


:, 


'] 


I 

li 


I 


I       1 


il 


you  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  this  important  place  well 
secured  to  the  crown  of  England,  and  that  the  trade  of 
the  colonies  of  America  may  flourish  in  the  advantages 
they  will  secure  thereby. 

I  am,  with  great  regard.  Sir,  etc.,  etc., 

Thomas  Corbett.   . 

>      [Pcpperr»ll  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle.] 

Louisburg,  Oct,  3,  1745. 

My  Lord  Duke,  —  I  have  the  honor  of  your  Grace's 
letter  of  the  10th  of  August  by  the  Shirley  galley,  which 
came  to  hand  the  23d  of  September.  I  beg  leave  to 
assure  your  Grace  that  it  gives  me  the  highest  pleasure 
to  find  thereby  that  the  news  of  the  reduction  of  Louis- 
burg and  the  territory  thereunto  belonging,  was  received 
with  so  much  satisfaction  by  his  Majesty  and  the  Lords 
Justices,  and  that  they  have  done  me  the  honor  to  sig- 
nify their  approbation  of  my  best  endeavors  for  the 
service  of  my  Royal  Master's  interest,  and  the  good  of 
my  country  in  this  enterprise ;  and  I  would  beg  leave 
especially,  with  the  utmost  gratitude,  to  acknowledge 
and  render  my  most  humble  thanks  to  his  Majesty  for 
his  Royal  favor  in  the  great  and  unexpected  dignity  he 
has  been  graciously  pleased  to  confer  on  my  family,  by 
creating  me  a  Baronet  of  Great  Britain,  (for  your 
Grace's  congratulations  thereon  I  beg  leave  sincerely  to 
thank  you).  I  hope  I  shall  always  be  ready  to  express 
a  just  sense  of  his  Majesty's  royal  goodness  therein,  by 
improving  all  opportunities  in  my  power  to  cultivate  ' 
and  confirm  in  the  hearts  of  his  New  England  subjects, 


rell  are  not  on  hand.  There  is  reason  to  believe,  however,  that 
the  compliments  so  frequently  and  profusely  bestowed  on  him  by 
Pcpperrell,  were  reciprocated  in  hb  official  letters  to  the  Board  of 
Admiralty. 


SIEGE   AND   CONQUEST   OP  LOUISBlTRrt. 


127 


those  principles  of  loyalty  and  attachment  to  his  Royal 
family,  which  are  already  so  universally  embraced  by 
them,  and  by  exerting  myself  on  all  occasions  for  the 
honor  of  his  Majesty's  arms.  It  is  also  grateful  to  me 
to  find  that  his  Majesty  has  been  graciously  pleased  to 
express  his  approbation  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  who 
engaged  with  me  against  this  place,  and  that  such 
speedy  measures  are  concerting  for  the  effectual  encour- 
agement and  support  of  this  acquisition,  as  appears  by 
the  troops  and  stores  ordered  here,  mentioned  in  your 
Grace's  letter,  and  by  the  other  particulars  which  Mr. 
Warren  and  myself  took  the  liberty  to  recommend 
being  under  consideration  to  be  determined  upon  with- 
out loss  of  time.  And  it  was  with  pleasure  that  I 
received  your  Grace's  information  that  the  government 
of  this  place  is  given  to  a  gentleman  so  well  qualified 
and  disposed  to  promote  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of 
it  as  Mr.  Warren,  and  that  the  good  agreement  which 
hitherto  has,  and  I  am  persuaded  always  will  subsist 
betwe.^n  us,  is  so  acceptable  to  his  Majesty  and  their 
Excellencies.  And  as  nothing  induced  me  to  engage 
at  first  in  this  enterprise  but  the  honor  of  his  Majesty's 
arms  and  the  good  of  my  country,  I  determined  posi- 
tively not  to  let  any  punctilio  of  ceremony  with  the 
chief  commanding  sea  officer,  in  regard  of  precedency 
or  superiority,  prejudice  his  Majesty's  service,  as  has 
been  the  case  in  several  expeditions ;  and  I  shall  with 
satisfaction  leave  this  place  under  his  protection  as  soon 
as  his  commission  and  the  troops  necessary  for  its  secu- 
rity shall  arrive  here.  Your  Grace  will  be  informed  by 
him  of  the  capture  of  a  rich  South  Sea  ship,  two  East 
India  ships,  and  several  other  valuable  prizes,  that  ivere 
taken  in  sight  of  the  troops^  some  w^eeks  after  we  had 
possession  of  this  fortress,  and  which  they  will  think  it 


128 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   TEPPERRELL. 


a  hardship  not  to  share  in,  whilst  it  will  be  so  great  a 
reward  to  the  sea  t)ffic'er8  and  sailors. 

[After  complimenting  Governor  Shirley  for  his  zeal 
and  activity  in  the  enterprise,  he  says]: — "When  the 
governor  first  proposed  to  me  to  take  the  command  of 
the  troops  raised  for  this  expedition,  I  declined,  on 
account  of  the  circumstances  of  my  family  and  busi- 
ness, which  were  such  as  I  thought  would  not  admit  of 
my  leaving  them,  and  it  was  by  his  importunity  that  I 
was  prevailed  upon  to  take  the  command,  —  he  urging 
as  a  reason  therefor,  that  the  expedition  would  not  go 
on  without  himself  or  I  should  go  at  the  head  of  it;  and 
that  if  he  were  to  go,  (besides  his  doubt  whether  he 
could  possibly  justify  his  leaving  his  government  with- 
out special  leave  from  his  Majesty,)  this  expedition 
might  not  be  properly  supported  from  New  England  in 
his  absence,  and  since  the  reduction  of  the  place,  he  has 
desired  me  to  remain  here  until  it  is  effectually  secured 
by  his  Majesty ;  but  hope  I  shall  have  liberty  to  visit 
my  family  very  soon. 

I  am,  with  all  possible  esteem  and  regard,  may  it 
please  your  Grace,  your  Grace's  most  obedient  and 
most  humble  servant, 

,      .  W.  P. 


8IKUE  AND   CONQUEST   OF   LOUISUURU. 


129 


CHAPTER  VI. 


When  Sir  William  received  his  royal  commission  as 
colonel,  he  was  acting  as  governor  conjointly 
with   Warren.      They   had   both  united  with  ^fio^^**' 

1746. 

Shirley  in  recommending  to  the  Duke  of  New- 
castle and  to  the  King  to  prosecute  the  war  vigorously 
against  Canada  by  further  expeditions.  Their  advice 
prevailed,  and  in  accordance  with  it,  his  Majesty  ordered 
Sir  William  and  Shirley  to  fill  their  new  regiments  as 
soon  as  possible,  to  the  full  quota  of  one  thousand  men 
each.  Accordingly  they  opened  rendezvous  at  Louis- 
burg,  and  enlisted  some  from  the  Provincial  forces  re- 
maining there,  and  Sir  William  sent  recruiting  officers 
to  St.  Johns  (Prince  Edward)  and  to  Newfoundland. 

Ryan,  the  lieutenant-colonel  of  Sir  William's  new 
regiment,  was  sent  from  England  in  December,  and 
with  him  went  the  commissions  for  other  officers,  and 
some  blank  commiHuiourt,  signed  by  his  Majesty,  for  Sir 
William  to  fill  with  the  names  of  such  provincial  offi- 
cers as  had  iisMinguitihed  themselves  in  the  siege,  and 
such  others  as  could  aid  him  most  effectually  in  recruit- 
ing. This  privilege,  given  to  both  Pepperrell  and  Shir- 
ley, was  rarely  conferred  on  a  colonel  of  a  regiment, 
and  in  the  present  instance  was  intended  a^  an  expres- 
sion of  his  Majesty's  high  appreciation  of  their  services. 
Ryan,  on  his  arrival  in  Boston,  during  Pepperrell's  ab- 
sence at  Louisburg,  sent  three  of  the  new  captains  on 
recruiting  service,  Jacobs  to  New  York,  Delegal  to  the 


■id 


I! 


[ 


130 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


South,  and  Wooster  to  Connecticut,  and  made  his  own 
head-quarters  at  Boston.  His  own  commission  was 
properly  due  to  Colonel  John  Bradstreet,  or  to  Major 
Mercer  of  Pepperrell's  regiment,  and  the  former  was 
recommended  for  the  office  by  both  Pepperrell  and 
Warren.  But  Ryan  was  a  creature  of  some  favorite  at 
court,  whose  influence  not  only  disappointed  Bradstreet 
and  Pepperrell,  but  elevated  one  who  proved  to  be 
unworthy  of  the  office.  The  king,  however,  was  not 
unmindful  of  Pepperrell's  appeal  in  favor  of  Bradstreet, 
and  soon  after  appointed  him  lieutenant-governor  of 
Newfoundland,  he  still  retaining  his  captaincy  in  Pep- 
peirell's  provincial  regiment.  He  afterward  became  a 
very  distinguished  general  in  the  Canadian  war  ;  while 
Ryan,  as  will  soon  appear,  covered  himself  with  igno- 
miny. 

Sir  William  Pepperrell  remained  at  Louisburg  until 
late  the  following  spring.  The  place  was  kept  under 
martial  law,  and  a  council  or  court  was  held  two  or 
three  days  in  each  week  for  trying  delinquents,  Warren 
and  Pepperrell  acting  as  judges.  The  record  of  their 
court  is  still  preserved,  and  is  a  curiosity.  Among  other 
complaints  before  the  court,  was  one  against  Captain 
Piercy,  who  was  charged  by  three  complainants  with 
drinking  "  Long  life  to  the  Pretender,"  which,  at  that 
time,  was  deemed  high  treason.  Piercy  was  arraigned 
before  the  court,  and  the  charge  and  affidavits  being  read 
in  a  solemn  tone,  the  question  was  put,  "  what  is  your 
defence.  Sir?"  in  reply  to  this  charge  of  treason,  in 
drinking  long  life  to  the  Pretender.  "  May  it  please  your 
Honors,"  said  the  captain,  "  tfi'>  complainants  entirely 
misunderstood  me.  I  drank  "  long  life  to  the  potatoes ! " 
The  captain's  defence  was  deemed  satisfactory. 

Lady  Pepperrell  would  fain  have  gone  to  Sir  William 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


131 


to  remain  during  his  detention  after  the  conquest,  but 
on  account  of  her  feeble  constitution  was  dissuaded 
from  so  dangerous  an  undertaking.  Lady  Warren 
arrived  there  in  August  with  Mrs.  Greene,  wife  of  the 
secretary,  a«d  remained  until  the  following  summer. 
Sir  Williatn's  letters  to  his  family  are  mostly  destroyed ; 
some  of  hers  to  him  are  still  preserved. 

In  November,  he  received  at  Louisburg  a  letter  from 
Major-General  Wolcott,  of  Connecticut,  who  had  re- 
turned home  soon  after  the  capitulation,  inquiring  after 
the  welfare  of  the  troops  he  had  left  at  Louisburg,  and 
what  share  of  honor  he  had  been  pleased  to  award  for 
their  services  during  the  siege,  and  congratulates  him 
on  the  marks  of  favor  bestowed  by  the  king,  in  his 
despatches  to  London.  Sir  William  writes  the  follow- 
ing reply,  which  does  honor  to  his  head  and  heart. 

[To  Major-General  Wolcott.] 
f  Louisburg,  December  10,  1745. 

Honored  Sir,  —  By  your  favor  of  the  23d  of  Octo- 
ber last,  I  find  you  had  received  my  letter  of  the  20th 
of  September.  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  hear  of 
your  safe  arrival  among  your  dear  family,  and  had 
recovered  your  health.  I  desire  that  the  Almighty  will 
be  graciously  pleased  to  continue  your  life  and  health 
for  a  long  time  to  come,  a  blessing  to  your  king  and 
country,  and  that  you  may  yet  be  enabled  to  render 
still  more  important  services. 

I  thought  before  you  left  Louisburg  you  had  seen  my 
representation  of  the  army,  it  being  entered  in  the  copy- 
book of  my  letters  by  my  secretary,  and  this  book  was 
always  open  to  any  of  my  council,  and  was  read  to 
them  before  being  sent  to  London.  The  only  reasons  I 
can  assign  for  your  not  seeing  it,  are  your  illness  at  the 


ill 


I  t 


I  ! 


"t*  1 


A«3 


132 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRBLL. 


time,  and  the  confusion  we  were  in,  having  no  house  in 
town  undamaged  by  shot,  so  that  we  were  obliged  to 
sleep  in  wet  beds.  Whatever  people  may  think  to  the 
contrary,  I  can  truly  say  and  prove  by  my  letters  sent 
to  England,  that  I  acted  according  to  the  best  of  my 
ability  as  a  common  father  to  the  army,  ordering  every 
regiment  its  proportion  of  duty  in  the  camp,  and  that  I 
reported  to  government  alike  in  favor  of  the  whole, 
making  no  difference  between  those  of  Massachusetts, 
Connecticut,  and  New  Hampshire.  In  my  letter  to  the 
Duke  of  Newcastle,  a  copy  of  which  I  send  you  here- 
with, I  inclosed  to  him  a  list  of  all  the  officers  in  the 
campaign,  and  your  name  in  said  list  was  entered  next 
to  my  own,  and  every  other  officer  in  the  army  accord- 
ing to  his  rank,  and  stated  that  they  and  the  soldiers 
had  all  behaved  bravely.  And  since  the  Most  High, 
Holy,  and  Merciful  God,  who  made  us  willing  to  leave 
our  pleasant  houses  and  families  for  this  dangerous 
enterprise,  and  has  been  graciously  with  us  and  given 
us  success,  why  should  we  find  fault  one  with  another  ? 
If  we  would  but  eye  the  hand  of  Providence  more,  and 
ascribe  to  him,  as  his  due,  all  the  honor  and  glory,  we 
should  not  be  jealous  one  of  another.  I  am  greatly 
obliged  to  you  for.  your  congratulations,  and  do  join 
with  you  in  the  opinion  that  the  honor  done  to  the  head 
is  done  to  the  whole  army. 

Nothing  would  give  me  more  pleasure  than  liberty  to 
visit  my  family,  and  as  I  am  sure  no  other  motive 
brought  me  here  th^n  the  good  of  my  country,  so  noth- 
ing else  makes  me  willing  to  remain  away  from  them. 
It  has  been  a  sickly,  dying  time  among,  us.  Upwards 
of  four  hundred  brave  men  have  died  since  we  came 
into  this  city.  The  Almighty  seems  to  be  angry  with 
us.     Next  Wednesday  is  appointed  a  day  of  fasting 


I      . 


CO 


SIEGE  AND   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


133 


and  prayer.  I  hope  you  will  all  lift  up  your  hands  and 
your  hearts  on  our  behalf,  and  I  hope  God  will  be  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  be  entreated  to  show  us  mercy.  It 
has  been  observed  that  wherever  there  was  a  close 
siege  for  upwards  of  thirty  days,  great  sickness  has 
ensued.  I  cannot  but  think  this  is  naturally  a  very 
healthy  place,  and  if  it  please  the  Almighty  to  continue 
it  in  our  hands,  must  become  a  place  of  great  trade. 

Whatever  command  Providence  may  place  me  in,  I 
shall  show  the  same  favor  to  those  who  came  here  from 
Connecticut,  that  I  do  to  those  from  my  own  province, 
and  this  I  have  hitherto  done  in  every  particular,  and  I 
shall  take  particular  care  that  no  under  officer  abuses 
any  of  our  soldiers ;  for,  as  you  justly  observe,  there  are 
no  braver  nor  more  active  men  than  our  countrymen,, 
and  they  deserve  to  be  encouraged. 

I  must  say  that  this  campaign  has  borne  much  upon 
my  constitution,  and  almost  worn  me  out.  But  if  it 
shot; "  ilease  Him  who  made  us  willing  to  come  on 
thir  V  .'  dition  to  call  us  on  some  other.  He  can  support 
and  carry  us  through,  and  I  hope  we  shall  at  all  times 
be  enabled  to  put  our  trust  in  Him. 

The  short  acquaintance  I  had  with  you  sufficed  to 
give  me  a  profound  respect  and  esteem  for  you,  and  I 
should  have  been  glad  if  your  health  had  permitted  you 
to  remain  longer  with  us.  I  hope  that  ere  long  I  shall 
be  able  to  make  you  a  visit,  when  we  can  talk  over  our 
past  scenes.  But  if  Providence  should  deny  us  this 
favor,  I  hope  through  the  merits  of  a  glorious  Redeemer 
we  shall  meet  in  a  happy  eternity.  We  are  much 
obliged  to  you  for  the  chaplain  you  have  sent,  and  your 
good  advice,  which  I  always  valued  and  honored.  You 
may  remember  what  a  hurry  you  left  me  in,  which  still 
continues,  so  that  I  ha'/e  not  the  time  to  write  to  my 

12 


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A' 


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''Mi 


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rill  ] 


134 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


friends  as  fully  and  as  often  as  I  wish.  I  hope  they  will 
excuse  me.  1  liave  inclosed  you  a  copy  of  the  Duke  of 
Newcastle's  letter  to  me,  as  likewise  of  one  from  the 
Lords  of  the  Admiralty,  being  the  only  public  letters 
which  I  have  received.  You  may  see  plainly  by  them 
that  I  never  made  any  difference  in  mentioning  one  Prov- 
ince more  than  another,  or  if  my  word  is  disputed,  the 
copies  of  'ay  letters  may  be  had  from  each  of  their 
offices.  -'' '  '      '  '  '  ■      ''■' '^--  ■'  ■"■'■    ■ 

I  have  written  several  private  letters  to  my  friends  in 
England,  four  of  whom  are  Parliament  men.  But  the 
most  I  said  in  them  was,  that  the  charges  I  hopeHI 
would  be  borne  by  his  Majesty,  and  that  the  provinces 
of  the  Massachusetts  t:iy,  Connecticut,  and  New 
Hampshire,  would  be  repaid  what  they  had  disbursed 
on  this  expedition.  I  did  say  in  these  letters  that  Mas- 
sachusetts had  been  at  the  greatest  part  of  the  charges, 
which  must  be  allowed  by  all.  »        >-       • 

Be  pleased  to  give  my  service  to  all  inquiring  friends, 
but  more  particularly  to  those  that  were  here  with  us  on 
this  expedition,  whom  I  shall  always  value  and  honor. 
I  am,  with  best  respects.  Dear  Sir, 

Your  affectionate  friend,  and  most  humble  servant, 

r        .  W.    P. 

The  sickness  and  mortality  above  noticed,  continued 
for  some  time.  From  the  last  of  November,  1745,  to 
the  28th  January,  1746,  five  hundred  and  sixty -one  men 
were  buried  from  the  army,  and  at  the  latter  date  eleven 
hundred  were  on  the  sick  list.  Sir  William  then  writes, 
"  we  flatter  ourselves,  from  the  burials  of  three  or  four 
days  past,  amounting  to  only  three,  four,  or  five  a  day, 
which  at  one  time  were  from  fourteen  to  twenty-seven 
per  day,  that  the  distemper  abates.    But  it  has  reduced 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


135 


us  to  less  than  one  thousand  men  capable  of  doing 
duty."  ' 

The  provincials  were  detained  at  Louisburg  much 
longer  than  was  anticipated.  Two  regiments  were 
ordered  there  from  Gibr-^ltar  in  the  autumn,  and  would 
have  arrived  in  season,  but  for  adverse  winds,  which 
compelled  the  ships  to  run  south  to  Virginia,  where 
they  remained  until  the  opening  of  spring.  Early  in 
April  they  arrived,  and  took  the  place  of  the  provin- 
cials, who  were  permitted  to  return  home. 

When  the  expedition  against  Louisburg  was  pro- 
jected, Rhode  Island  entered  heartily  into  it,  and  raised 
three  companies  of  one  hundred  men  each,  paid  them 
more  liberally  than  any  colony,  and  emitted  three  thou-, 
sand  seven  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  new  tenor  for  the 
purpose,  to  be  paid  by  a  tax  on  ratable  polls  and  estates 
in  1750,  1751,  and  1752.  But  the  troops  failed  of 
reaching  Boston  in  season  to  embark  with  Pepperrell. 
They,  however,  proceeded  early  in  July,  and  proved  a 
valuable  reinforcement  in  preserving  the  conquest,  the 
other  troops  being  worn  down  with  fatigue  and  sick- 


ness. 


Admiral  Warren  on  receiving  his  commission  as 
governor,  and  Mr.  Warburton's  as  lieutenant-governor, 
was  saiuted  from  the  cannon  of  the  fort,  and  the  army 
being  mustered  he  addressed  them  the  following  kind 
farewell,  and  at  the  close  of  it  ordered  a  hogshead  of 
rum  to  be  dealt  out  to  them  as  a  parting  treat. 

April  2,  1746. 

Gentlemen,  —  It  is  with  very  great  pleasure  I  have 
called  you  together  at  this  time,  because  I  have  it  now 
in  my  power  to  gratify  you  in  what  you  have  so  long 
and  earnestly  wished  for  and  desired ;  I  mean  to  return 


m 


;i:'« 


9il 


.■*  ll 


■i'li 


I 


m 


136 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


to  your  families  and  settlements,  after  the  great  fatigues 
you  have  gone  through,  both  in  the  reduction  and  pro- 
tection of  this  valuable  acquisition. 

Your  signal  services  upon  this  occasion  shall  never  be 
forgot  by  me,  and  you  may  be  assured  I  will  (as  indeed 
Sir  William  Pepperrell  and  I  have  already  done,  by  let- 
ters from  hence)  in  person,  whenever  I  return  to  Great 
Britain,  represent  your  services,  and  the  importance  of 
this  conqt  t  to  his  Majesty  and  the  ministry,  in  the 
truest  ligL 

By  the  early  care  taken  in  the  sending  troops,  ships 
of  war,  and  stores  of  all  kinds  for  the  protection  of  this 
garrison,  it  appears  that  our  mother  country  is  thor- 
oughly apprised  of  its  value ;  and  the  consequences  of 
it  to  the  colonies  you  are  all  well  acquainted  with. 

In  your  return.  Governor  Shirley  has  strongly  recom- 
mended ;;'our  landing  in  the  eastern  frontiers  of  New 
England,  which  have  been  annoyed  by  some  small  par- 
ties of  the  enemy  Indians.  This  will  give  such  a  coun- 
tenance to  the  out-settlements  as  cannot  fail  of  hav- 
ing a  very  good  effect ;  and  as  I  am  informed  many  of 
you  have  settlements  and  families  upon  the  frontiers,  I 
flatter  myself  this  will  be  agreeable  to  you,  especially 
as  it  will  lay  your  posterity,  to  the  latest  generations, 
under  the  greatest  obligations  to  you.  Brigadier  Waldo 
will  go  with  you,  and  proper  provision  of  all  kinds  will 
be  made  for  you.  .      v 

I  have  seen  with  great  concern  how  much  the  officers 
and  men  have  been  crowded  in  their  houses,  since  the 
arrival  of  the  troops  to  relieve  them,  to  prevent  which 
as  much  as  possible,  we  have  kept  one  of  the  regiments 
on  board  the  transports,  till  we  can  prepare  quarters  for 
them  in  the  hospital,  which  we  are  under  the  necessity 
of  converting  into  a  barrack ;  when  that  is  done,  and 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


137 


new  barracks  built,  (the  materials  for  which  are  hourly 
expected,)  I  hope  there  will  be  room  to  give  houses  to 
all  such  people  as  shall  choose  to  settle  in  this  place, 
and  to  allow  to  such  of  the  troops  as  are  married, 
proper  conveniences  out  of  the  barracks. 

Any  persons  who  have  an  inclination  to  remain  here 
as  inhabitants,  or  to  enlist  into  his  Majesty's  service, 
may  depend  upon  my  protection,  and  the  former  shall 
always  be  at  free  liberty  to  leave  this  place  whenever 
they  please ;  and  as  nothing  can  contribute  more  to  the 
welfare  of  any  government  and  people  than  a  religious 
discharge  of  their  duty,  and  a  benevolent  and  brotherly 
behavior  to  each  other,  I  in  the  most  earnest  manner 
recommend  this,  gentlemen,  to  you  all,  that  as  we  are 
one  people  under  the  best  of  kings  and  happiest  of 
governments,  we  continue  in  one  mind,  doing  all  the 
good  offices  in  our  power  for  each  other. 

On  Wednesday  next  we  s'^all  be  able  to  land  som» 
more  of  the  Gibraltar  troops,  v.  no,  with  those  that  are 
enlisted  into  the  American  regiments,  will  mount  all 
the  guards,  and  give  you  an  opportunity  to  get  your- 
selves ready  to  embark  on  board  the  vessels  now  pre«- 
paring  for  you. 

I  take  this  opportunity  to  acquaint  you  that  though  I 
have  received  my  commission  as  governor  of  this  gar- 
rison, and  the  territories  thereupon  depeJlding^  and 
Colonel  Warburton  has  his  as  lieutenant-governor, 
and  as  such  we  are  both  to  be  obeyed;  but  no  instruc- 
tions  are  yet  come  to  our  hands,  but  we  may  daily 
expect  them,  which  I  hope  will  enable  us  to  grant  the 
houses  and  lands  of  this  conquest  to  his  Majesty's  sub- 
jects, in  the  distribution  of  which  you  may  depend, 
gentlemen,  that  the  greatest  regard  shall  be  shown  to 
you  who  conquered  them. 

12* 


•M 


ifj 


m 

m 

m 

Mm 

f  '  ;  S 

ni 


138 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


I  sincerely  wish  you  all  an  happy  meeting  with  your 
families  and  friends,  and  shall  ever  think  it  the  greatest 
happiness  that  can  attend  me,  to  have  power  equal  to 
my  inclination  to  serve  every  officer  and  soldier  that 
has  been  in  the  least  degree  instrumental  in  the  reduc- 
tion of  this  garrison  to  his  Majesty's  obedience ;  the 
securing  which  during  the  course  of  a  long  and  severe 
winter,  in  which  you  suffered  the  greatest  hardships, 
and  many  brave  men  perished,  till  the  arrival  of  his 
Majesty's  troops,  highly  merits  the  favor  of  your  king 
and  country,  which  I  hope  will  be  alway  shown  you. 

You  are  very  happy,  gentlemen,  in  the  governors  and 
legislators  of  your  different  provinces,  who  in  all  their 
letters  to  Sir  William  Pepperrell  and  myself,  express  the 
greatest  concern  at  the  mortality  that  raged  among  you 
last  winter,  and  that  they  had  it  not  in  their  power  to 
keep  their  faith  with  you,  by  relieving  you  so  soon  as 
you  expected  after  the  reduction  of  this  place;  and 
such  indeed  was  their  care  for  you,  that  had  not  the 
two  regiments  from  Gibraltar  happily  arrived,  nor  the 
levies  gone  on  so  well  as  they  have  done  for  the  Ameri- 
.can  regiments,  both  here  and  in  the  colonies,  yet  they 
were  determined  at  any  expense  to  raise  men  this 
spring  to  relieve  you. 

When  the  two  American  regiments  are  complete, 
which  I  hope  will  be  soon,  I  think  with  those  we  have 
from  Gibraltar,  who  have  been  long  used  to  garrison 
duty,  and  while  we  have  so  strong  a  sea  force,  as  that 
is  already  arrived  and  daily  expected,  under  the  chief 
command  of  Admiral  Townsend,  (for  while  he  remains 
I  have  only  the  second  at  sea,)  who  has  in  many  in- 
stances distinguished  himself  in  his  country's  service  as 
a  good  and  experienced  officer,  we  need  not  fear  the 
power  of  France,  but  should  their  vanity  lead  them  to 


/ 


SIEGE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOVISBURG. 


139 


make  any  attack  upon  us,  I  am  persuaded  the  same 

spirit  that  induced   you  to  make  this  conquest,  will 

prompt  you  to  protect  it. 

P.  Warren. 

The  legislature  of  Massachusetts  voted  a  congratu- 
latory address  to  Pepperrell  and  his  officers  and  soldiers, 
tendering  them  grateful  acknowledgments  for  the  im- 
portant services  they  had  rendered ;  and  also  to  Admiral 
Warren  and  his  officers  and  men  for  their  hearty  and 
successful  cooperation.  •  _    « 

■  -I .  -'     '    .'     -I ;  .  ■  .     i        ■       -  i  '.  J.  .      ■:   "  .  ■   .         .    ,  • 

[Pepperrell's  Reply.]       \  ,    :  . 
.      '  ,i  .  Louisburg,  April  5,17 i6. 

Gentlemen,  —  I  am  extremely  obliged  to  the  Honor- 
able Council  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the 
province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  for  their  congratu- 
lation and  compliments  to  me  on  the  happy  issue  of 
the  expedition  against  this  place  ;  and  for  his  Majesty's 
most  gracious  approbation  of  my  services  therein,  which 
I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  from  you  the  2d  instant. 
Next  to  the  consciousness  of  my  having  engaged  in  the 
important  enterprise  out  of  zeal  for  his  Majesty's  service 
and  the  welfare  of  my  country,  and  that  I  have  made  it 
my  constant  aim  to  discharge  the  trust  reposed  in  me 
with  fidelity,  nothing  can  give  me  a  more  sincere  and 
lasting  pleasure  than  my  Royal  Master's  approbation, 
and  my  country's  kind  acceptance  of  my  services. 

May  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  who  has  given  us  the  victory, 
ever  defend  and  prosper  this  valuable  acquisition,  and 
grant  that  it  may  effectually  answer  the  noble  purposes 
for  which  our  country  was  animated  to  attempt  its  con- 
quest, in  the  prosecution  of  which  the  gen^^rous  concur- 
rence of  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  with 


J  1 


140 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


his  Excellency  Governor  Shirley's  wise  counsels  and 
indefatigable  application  had  so  great  a  share ;  and 
may  the  happy  consequences  of  our  success  be  exten- 
sive as  its  fame,  and  lasting  as  the  honor  due  to  the 
heroic  resolution  and  exemplary  bravery  of  the  officers 
and  soldiers,  whom  I  shall  always  esteem  it  my  great 
honor  to  have  commanded. 

It  is  with  pleasure  that  I  observe  my  country's  grati- 
tude for  the  good  services  and  assistance  of  the  brave 
and  worthy  Admiral  Warren,  whose  singular  vigilance 
and  good  conduct  rendered  his  having  the  direction  of 
his  Majesty's  ships  employed  against  this  place  pecu- 
liarly happy;  and  I  flatter  myself  that  the  harmony 
^hich  has  subsisted  between  us  in  the  prosecution  of 
his  Majesty's  service,  has  also  had  an  happy  effect ;  and 
I  esteem  it  an  auspicious  aspect  of  Divine  Providence 
upon  this  place,  that  a  gentleman  so  peculiarly  qualified 
and  disposed  to  promote  its  prosperity,  is  appointed  by 
his  Majesty  to  the  government  of  it. 

As  1  shall  ever  retain  a  most  grateful  sense  of  the 
many  honors  I  have  received  from  my  country,  nothing 
will  give  me  greater  pleasure  than  any  opportunity  fur- 
ther to  approve  myself  a  true  friend  to  its  interest  and 
prosperity ;  to  which,  if  the  honor  and  command  con- 
ferred on  me  by  his  Majesty  can  any  way  contribute,  it 

will  enhance  their  value. 

Wm.  Pepperrell. 


"Warren  and  Pepperrell  embarked  at  Louisburg  in  the 
Chester,  Captain  Spry,  leaving  the  fortress  under  the 
command  of  Commodore  Charles  Knowles,  and  arrived 
in  Boston  about  the  1st  of  June.  They  were  received 
with  a  salute  of  cannon  at  the  castle  in  the  afternoon, 
and  entertained  by  the  governor.     They  arrived  in  Bos- 


8IE0E  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


141 


ton  at  5  P.M.,  and  were  saluted  by  all  the  ships  of  war 
and  town  batteries.  Upon  their  landing  at  Long  Wharf, 
his  Majesty's  Council  and  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives received  them,  and  they  all  were  escorted  by  His 
Excellency's  company  of  cadets  to  the  council  chamber. 
It  being  training  day  for  the  Boston  regiment,  the  sol- 
diers were  drawn  up  in  two  lines  in  King's  (now  State) 
street,  by  his  Excellency's  orders,  and  the  officers  paid 
the  standing  salute  to  the  three,  namely,  Shirley,  Pep- 
perrell,  and  Warren.  As  they  passed,  the  street,  win- 
dows, doors,  and  balconies  were  crowded,  and  the  regi- 
ment fired  three  volleys,  and  gave  three  hurrahs,  in 
which  the  whole  populace  joined. 

Sir  William  soon  after  took  his  seat  at  the  council 
board,  to  which  he  was  reelected  president.  The  House 
of  Representatives,  then  in  session,  being  informed  that 
he  and  Admiral  Warren  were  in  the  council  chamber, 
went  thither,  when  the  speaker  addressed  them  in  the 
following  manner : —  .  .■         -  -  .  .> 

"  The  House  of  Representatives  of  this  Prov- 
ince, have  a  high  sense  of  the  services  you  have 
done  for  His  Majesty's  subjects  in  general,  and  for  the 
people  of  New  England  in  particular;  and  it  is  wi'V 
the  greatest  pleasure  they  embrace  this  happy  opportu- 
tunity  of  acknowledging  it. 

In  their  name,  and  by  their  order,  I  congratulate  you 
on  your  safe  arrival  in  the  province,  and  most  heartily 
bid  you  welcome." 

To  which  Admiral  Warren  replied :  —  ' 

"  Mr.  Speaker,  —  I  am  obliged  to  this  honorable 
House  for  the  great  respect  they  have  shown  me.  They 
may  depend  upon  my  zeal  and  service  while  I  live,  for 
the  colonies  in  general,  and  this  province  in  partic- 
ular." 


June  24. 


It  'J 


n 


|: 


I',  ■• 


ii 


<iii 


143 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELTi, 


Sir  William  replied  as  follows :  — 

"  Mr.  Speaker,  —  I  am  heartily  obliged  to  the  honor- 
able house  for  the  respect  they  have  shown  me,  and  I 
shall  be  always  ready  to  risk  my  life  and  fortune  for  the 
good  of  my  dear  native  country." 

Soon  after  the  above  ceremoiiy  Admiral  Warren  left 
Boston  for  England,  where  he  was  employed  in  the 
British  Channel. 

On  the  4th  of  .July,  Sir  William,  attended  by  divers 
offic  ers  and  gentlemen,  set  out  for  his  seat  in  Kittery. 
He  was  met  at  Lynn  by  a  troop  of  horse  and  enter- 
tained, and  was  there  received  by  a  company  of  gentle- 
men and  conducted  to  Salem;  on  entering  which,  he 
was  saluted  with  cannon,  and  ringing  of  bells,  and  con- 
ducted to  the  town  hall  to  partake  of  a  magnificent 
entertainment.  After  dinner  the  royal  healths  were 
drank,  Governor  Shirley's,  Sir  William's,  Admiral 
Warren's,  Brigadier  Waldo's,  and  all  the  officers  and 
men  at  the  siege  of  Cape  Breton ;  at  each  health  the 
cannon  were  fired,  and  a  treble  discharge  made  by  the 
troop  of  horse.  On  leaving  Beverly  ferry  a  cavalcade 
met  him  from  Ipswich  and  Newbury,  and  conducted 
him  to  the  latter  place,  where  his  arrival,  at  eleven 
o'clock  at  night,  was  announced  by  a  salute  from  the 
town  cannon  and  by  various  fireworks,  and  the  whole 
party  were  entertained  with  an  elegant  supper  by  Hon. 
Major  Greenleaf.  Next  morning  at  ten,  he  crossed  the 
Merrimac  River,  attended  by  the  high  sheriff  and  a 
cavalcade  from  the  county  of  York.  He  was  attended 
from  Hampton  to  Portsmouth  by  his  Majesty's  council 
of  New  Hampshire,  the  high  sheriff,  and  numerous 
officers  civil  and  military,  with  many  other  gentlemen, 
and  two  companies  of  horse.  On  entering  Portsmouth 
a  troop  of  horse  led  the  van,  followed  by  officers  of 


SIEOE  AND   CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


143 


Loiiisburg  with  music  and  colors  flying,  tluMi  Sir 
William  in  a  barouche,  then  the  council,  Hhcritf,  and  a 
long  train  of  gentlemen,  and  a  troop  of  horse  brought 
up  the  rear.  He  was  conducted  to  the  governor's 
house  to  dine,  and  was  saluted  on  his  departure  in  the 
evening,  as  he  had  been  on  his  arrival,  by  artillery,  and 
was  conveyed  in  the  castle  barge  to  his  own  house  at 
Kittery. 

The  histories  hitherto  published  of  the  expedition  of 
1745  are  generally  based  upon  the  one  by  Dr.  Belknap, 
and  present  a  brief  sketch  well  drawn,  and  in  the  main 
correct ;  but  the  writers  have  dwelt  less  upon  the  trials, 
perplexities,  and  discouragements  of  Sir  William  than 
is  necessary  in  order  for  a  right  appreciation  of  his 
character.  We  might,  like  those  authors,  have  con- 
densed the  foregoing  pages,  and  rendced  th'  story  for 
more  acceptable  and  interesting  to  the  majority  ^f 
readers,  but  it  would  have  been  an  unfaithful  portrait 
of  the  man.  We  might  have  rendered  th:?  >!arrative 
less  tedious  by  arranging  the  incidents  in  a  more  con- 
nected form,  rather  than  by  letters  and  extracts;  but 
have  preferred  to  present  the  reader  the  means  of  form- 
ing his  own  opinions  from  original  sources,  unbiased  by 
our  owp  partiality  or  prejudice. 

We  have  dwelt  longer  on  the  siege  and  reduction  of 
Louisburg  than  the  brief  period  of  time  it  occupied  of 
Sir  William's  whole  life  would  seem  to  justify.  But  it 
is  to  be  remembered  that  this  achi.  v^ment  was  the  main 
pillar  of  his  fame,  and  inscribed  hia  aame  on  the  endur- 
ing page  of  history.  Here  it  was,  too,  that  the  promi- 
nent traits  of  his  character  present  themselves  in  bold 
relief;  his  spirit  for  daring  enterprise,  his  prudence,  pa- 
tience, forbearance,  perseverance,  self-devotion,  patriot- 
ism, and  reliance  on  Divine  aid,  shone  conspicuously. 


1  i 


.;vi: 


144 


LIFE   OP   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


and  seemed  to  rise  and  increase  in  proportion  to  the 
increasing  demand  for  their  exercise. 
.  Here,  too,  it  was  that  the  hardy  sons  of  New  England 
took  their  first  lessons  in  military  service,  preparatory  to 
the  grand  drama  of  the  Revolution,  soon  to  follow.  The 
same  old  drums  that  marched  into  Louisburg,  rallied 
the  troops  in  their  march  to  Bunker's  Hill ;  and  the 
same  Colonel  Gridley  who  planned  Pepperrell's  bat- 
teries, marked  and  laid  out  the  one  where  General 
Warren  fell,  —  and  when  Gage  was  erecting  breast- 
works across  Boston  Neck,  the  provincial  troops  sneer- 
ingly  remarked  that  his  mud  walls  were  nothing  com- 
pared with  the  stone  walls  of  old  Louisburg.  Thus  the 
confidence  and  self-reliance  its  recollections  inspired, 
proved  a  favorable  preparation  for  the  Revolutionary 
struggle,  while  the  three  years'  delay  of  reimbursements, 
the  refusal  to  give  them  a  share  of  the  prize  money,  and 
the  occasional  disparaging  taunts  of  individuals,  under- 
rating their  services,  fired  them  with  the  indignation 
requisite  to  bring  their  early  experience  into  action,  as 
soon  as  colonial  oppression  called  for  their  services. 
Thus,  General  Wooster,  who  commanded  a  company 
under  Pepperrell,  fell  mortally  wounded  at  Norwalk; 
Thornton  of  New  Hampshire,  signed  the  Declaration 
of  Independence ;  and  Nixon,  Whiting,  Colonel  Gridley, 
the  engineer,  and  many  other  distinguished  ofliicers 
and  men  of  the  continental  army,  had  served  with 
Pepperrell  at  Louisburg.  Mr.  Hartwell  said,  in  the 
House  of  Commons,  in  1775,  that  the  colonists  "  took 
Louisburg  from  the  French  single-handed,  without 
any  European  assistance,  —  as  mettled  an  enterprise 
as  any  in  our  history,  —  an  everlasting  memorial  to 
the'  zeal,  courage,  and  perseverance  of  the  troops  of 
New  England."    "The  conquest  of  Louisburg,"  says 


SIEQE  AND  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


145 


Smollett,  "  was  the  most  important  achievement  of  the 
war  of  1744,"  and  it  is  remarked  in  the  Universal  His- 
tory, that  "  New  England  gave  peace  to  Europe  hy  rais- 
ings armings  ^wrf  transporting  four  thousand  men"  whose 
success  "  proved  an  equivalent  for  all  the  successes  of  the 
French  upon  the  continent." 

In  concluding  this  brief  sketch  of  the  comparative 
actual  services  performed  by  the  army  and  fleet,  it  must 
be  conceded  that  the.  land  forces,  in  the  moral  aspect 
of  their  deeds,  won  imperishable  fame.  War  en  was 
bred  to  arms ;  his  home  was  on  the  deep,  and  his  offi- 
cers and  men  had  dedicated  and  trained  their  energies, 
body  and  mind,  for  deadly  strife,  and  were  now  in  their 
chosen  element,  and  in  the  ordinary  line  of  their  duty. 
Not  so  with  the  army.  Pepperrell,  a  wealthy  merchant, 
unaccustomed  to  the  sea,  with  no  expectation  of  mili- 
tary preferment  to  incite  him,  obeys  the  call  of  his 
countrymen,  leaves  all  the  comforts  and  endeared 
attractions  of  home  and  his  peaceful  occupations,  to 
brave  the  dangers  of  an  ice-bound  coast,  and  the  fa- 
tigues, dangers,  and  responsibilities  of  a  perilous  enter- 
prise of  doubtful  success, — yet  sure  to  be  disastrous  to 
the  colonies  and  to  his  own  fame  in  the  event  of  failure : 
and  he  is  followed  by  four  thousand  farmers,  mechanics, 
and  fishermen, — impelled  by  no  forced  levy  or  press- 
gang,  but  voluntarily  shouldering  their  firelocks  and 
girding  themselves  for  a  deadly  conflict,  and  patiently 
enduring  the  hardships  and  toil  of  a  seven  weeks'  siege, 
— surely,  this  presents  a  spectacle  of  glowing  patriotism 
and  self-devotion  far  transcending  the  deeds  of  Warren 
and  his  crews. 

13 


!     !l''^ 


I 


11 


I  • 


CHAPTER  VII. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


The  French  government  was  exceedingly  exasperated 
at  the  audacity  of  the  provincial  troops  in  capturing 
their  strongest  fortress  in  America,  and  immediately 
prepared  a  large  force  for  its  recovery,  and  for  the 
punishment  of  the  New  Englanders,  by  sacking  and 
destroying  their  principal  seaports.  The  force  consisted 
of  forty  large  ships  of  war,  besides  transports,  under  the 
command  of  the  Duke  D'Anville,  fitted  out  at  Brest, 
and  bringing  three  thousand  to  four  thousand  regular 
troops,  "the  most  powerful  armament  that  had  ever 
been  sent  into  America."  . 

Colonel  Bradstreet  writes  to  Sir  William  from  Louis- 
burg  :  — "  We  have  been  up  in  arms  about  the 
Brest  fleet's  expected  arrival  here.  Since  then,  "746.' 
we  learn  that  there  are  five  frigates  ninety  leagues 
up  the  St.  Lawrence  gulf,  at  Gaspee,  and  some  trans- 
ports, with  four  thousand  Canadian  French  and  In- 
dians, waiting  the  arrival  of  the  Brest  fleet,  and  had 
sent  a  sloop  to  a  certain  latitude  to  meet  it,  and  return 
with  intelligence  to  Gaspee,  on  which  they  arc  to  join 
for  the  attack  on  Louisburg.  The  Vigilant  has  gone 
up  there  in  order  to  destroy  them."  . 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


147 


Intelligence  reached  Boston  of  the  impending  danger, 
which  alarmed  the  colony  and  threw  it  into  the  utmost 
consternation.  In  a  few  days  six  thousand  four  hun- 
dred of  the  inland  militia  marched  into  Boston ;  to 
whose  assistance  six  thousand  men  were,  on  the  first 
notice,  to  march  from  Connecticut.  The  old  forts  on 
the  sea-coast  were  repaired,  new  forts  erected,  and 
military  guards  appointed.  The  country  was  kept  in 
a  state  of  alarm  and  anxiety  for  six  weeks. 

Sir  William,  who  still  retained  the  command  of  the 
western  regiment  of  militia  in  Maine,  on  the  announce- 
ment of  approaching  danger,  issued  his  orders  to  the 
captains  to  muster  their  companies  and  examine  their 
accoutrements,  and  hold  themselves  ready  to  march  at 
a  moment's  warning.  At  the  same  time  he  ordered 
sentinels  to  be  constantly  on  the  look-out  from  com- 
manding heights,  to  give  the  signal  of  approaching 
fleets. 

At  length  the  alarm  was  allayed  by  intelligence  that 
the  enemy  was  crippled  by  tempest  and  shipwreck ; 
that  an  expected  junction  of  M.  Conflans  with  three 
ships  of  the  line  and  a  frigate  from  Hispaniola  had 
failed ;  that  pestilential  fevers  had  prevailed  among  the 
French  troops,  and  had  destroyed  two  thousand  of 
them.  Intercepted  letters  which  conveyed  intelligence 
that  an  English  fleet  was  approaching,  disconcerted 
them.  D'Anville's  anxiety  produced  sudden  death,  and 
D'Estournelle,  next  in  command,  in  extreme  agitation, 
fell  on  his  sword,  their  fleet  was  overtaken  and  dis- 
persed by  tempest,  and  the  vessels  returned  singly  to 
France.  Thus  ended  the  expedition  that  threatened 
desolation  to  the  seaports  of  New  England.  A  more 
remarkable  instance  of  preservation  seldom  occurs. 
"  When    man    is    made  the  instrument  of   averting 


M 


bii 


m 


148 


LIFE  OP  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


§  ' 


calamity,  the  Divine  agency  ought  still  to  be  acknowl- 
edged ;  but  this  was  averted  without  human  power." 

The  Canadian  troops  of  French  and  Indians  that 
were  to  join  D'Anville's  forces,  on  seeing  them  depart, 
retired  to  Minas  near  Pictou.  Governor  Shirley  sent  a 
body  of  troops  in  the  winter,  under  Colonel  Arthur 
Noble,  who  had  commanded  a  regiment  at  the  con- 
quest of  Louisburg  with  Pepperrell.*  These  were 
defeated,  having  sixty  killed,  including  the  colonel,  and 
fifty  wounded,  and  the  remainder  captured.  It  was  an 
injudicious  project  of  the  governor.  But  the  success 
of  the  expedition  against  Louisburg  excited  his  ambi- 
tion, and  prompted  him  to  attempt  further  conquests. 
Soon  after  its  surrender,  he  consulted  Warren  and 
Pepperrell  on  the  subject  of  an  expedition  against 
Canada,  and  their  opinions  according  with  his  own,  he 
wrote  from  thence,  in  a  pressing  manner,  to  the  British 
ministry.  His  plans  were  approved,  and  in  the  spring 
following  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  Secretary  of  State, 
wrote  to  all  the  governors  of  the  colonies,  as  far  south 
as  Virginia,  to  raise  men  for  the  said  expedition.  To 
Shirley  and  Pepperrell  he  sent  orders  to  fill  up  their 
regiments  for  garrison  duty  at  Louisburg,  and  to  do 
their  utmost  to  promote  his  designs.  His  plan  of  oper- 
ations was,  that  a  squadron  of  ships  of  war,  under  the 
command  of  Admiral  Warren,  and  a  body  of  land 
forces  under  Lieutenant- General  St.  Clair,  should  be 
sent  from  England  against  Canada;  that  the  troops 
raised  in  New  England  should  join  the  British  fleet  and 
army  at  Louisburg,  and  proceed  up  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence, and  those  at  New  York  and  the  other  colonies  at 
the  southward  should  assemble  at  Albany,  and  march 

♦  The  town  of  Nobleboro'  in  Maine,  was  named  after  him. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURa. 


149 


1746. 


June  2. 


against  Crown  Point  and  Montreal.  The  colonies, 
pleased  with  the  measure,  readily  furnished  their  quotas 
of  men. 

Mr.  Sparhawk,  son-in-law  of  Sir  William, 
took  his  seat  in  the  legislature  this  year,  as  rep- 
resentative elect  from  the  town  of  Kittery.  Soon  after 
his  arrival  in  Boston  he  wrote  to  Andrew  Pepperrell, 
his  brother-in-law,  at  Kittery :  "  The  expedition 
against  Canada  is  at  last  agreed  upon  by  the 
General  Court,  and  being  honored  with  a  seat  in  the 
coramittee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  it,  etc.,  I 
have  been  confined  day  and  night  almost  ever  since  I 
came  to  town,  so  that  instead  of  having  a  little  respite 
by  my  tour  from  the  fatigues  of  business,  I  have  been 
in  a  greater  hurry  than  when  at  home.  I  now  have  the 
utmost  difficulty  in  finding  time  to  write. 

"  There  are  five  battalions,  beside  Lieutenant- General 
Frampton's  regiment,  daily  expected  from  Great  Britain 
for  the  expedition,  which  are  to  be  joined  by  the  two 
Gibraltar  regiments  at  Isouisburg,  which,  with  the 
recruits  that  are  to  be  levied  in  North  America,  are  to 
be  our  land  force,  and  tO'  be  commanded  by  Lieutenant- 
General  St.  Clair.  The  Americans  go  by  land  (except 
what  are  raised  iir.  New  England)  to  Canada,  under 
Lieutenant-Governor  Gooch,  now  brigadier-general. 
Admiral  Warren  commands  by  sea.  The  governor's 
and  your  father's  regiments  are  to  defend  Cape  Breton. 
I  rejoice  that  he  (your  father)  is  excused  from  a  concern 
in  this  expedition,  and  that  he  is  hourly  expected  here. 
The  General  Court  have  voted  three  thousand  men  for 
it.  If  you  have  any  small  arms,  I  believe  the  govern- 
ment must  want  them,  and  you  may  sell  them  at  a 
good  price." 

But  the  expedition  against   Canada  after  all  was 

13* 


.'■■    I 


^  I'M 

i' 
1P} 


i  ■! 


,;■:;« 


n 


150 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPEBBELL. 


K 
ti 


ff 


ifc^s 


abandoned  for  the  season,  no  general  to  command  nor 
orders  arrived  from  England  during  the  whole  summer. 
Sir  William  and  others  finally  concluded  that  the 
season  was  too  far  advanced  to  expect  them. 

Colonel  John  Bradstreet  remained  in  command  of  a 
provincial  regiment  at  Loui.^burg  after  the  siege,  until 
he  was  appointed  by  the  king  lieutenant-governor  of 
Newfoundland.  This  was  a  better  situation  than  ;bat 
of  provincial  colonel,  but  having  a  martial  turn  of  raiud 
and  a  thirst  for  military  fame,  he  strove  for  a  commis- 
sion in  the  regular  army.  Through  his  brother-iii-law 
Captain  Aldridge,  he  made  proposal  to  Sir  William  to 
purchase  his  commission.  The  fact  is  here  referred  to, 
as  showing  how  commissions  were  bought  and  sold  in 
tl";e  British  army,  and  what  was  the  estimated  valifc.  of 
Colonel  Pcrjperrell's  commission  at  this  time.  Brad- 
street  writes  to  Ptpperrell; —  ,      -. 

Captain   Aldridge    tells    me    you  desired   I 
March,    -^^uitj  ^vrite  and  make  an  offer  of  what  I  would 

1747. 

give.  In  the  first  place  it  requires  good  interest 
at  court  and  is  attended  with  considerable  expense,  and 
to  be  kept  quite  a  secret  to  get  such  a  thing  done,  so 
that  I  would  agree  to  pay  you  at  the  rate  of  ten  years' 
|mrchase,  and  you  to  have  all  the  perquisites  of  the 
regiment,  during  its  standing,  or  your  life,  which  will 
make  two  thousand  pounds  sterling,  which  money  shall 
be  deposited  in  any  bank  in  England,  to  be  delivered 
as  soon  as  the  commission  is  made  out,  and  further, 
that  I  will  be  at  all  the  cost,'  etc.,  etc. 

The  rank  as  colonel  is  so  much  below  what  the 
king  has  been  pleased  to  give  you  already,  and  as  I 
apprehend  you  do  not  intend  to  stick  by  the  army,  to 
head  a  regiment  in  some  other  part  of  the  world,  that 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOmSBURQ. 


151 


it  will  not  be  worth  your  while  to  keep  this,  when  you 
can  get  more  than  an  equivalent  for  it,  and  be  freed 
from  all  the  plague  and  trouble.  For  my  own  part  I 
will  be  ingenuous  to  you.  The  rank  is  what  I  want, 
and  as  my  friends  will  then  have  it  more  in  their 
power  to  serve  me,  notwithstanding  it  is  the  youngest 
regiment.  And  I  will  further  give  you  security  for 
receiving  all  the  perquisites,  and  will  make  as  much  as 
an  honest  man  can  for  you. 

I  have  nothing  more  to  add  than  that  all  the  inhab- 
itants out  of  town,  as  well  as  in  town,  are  taxed  I  may 
say  enormously  for  house  rent. 

The  following  letter  of  Sir  William  to  his  friend 
Major- General  Wolcott  of  Connecticut,  refers,  among 
other  matters,  to  the  contemplated  expedition  against 
Canada,  and  requests  his  aid  in  raising  men  for  his 
regiment:  — 

Kittery,  August  19,  1746. 

Sir,  —  Your  favor  of  the  7th  of  July  last  I  received 
and  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  the  readiness  you 
show  to  maintain  our  acquaintance,  and  I  assure  you 
it  would  have  given  me  equal  pleasure,  as  you  mention 
it  would  you,  to  have  met  you  and  paid  my  respects  to 
you  in  person,  and  since  you  don't  incline  to  take 
a  journey  here,  I  have  thoughts  of  paying  you  a  visit  in 
Connecticut,  if  I  can  get  my  hurry  of  business  over. 
I  observe  you  write  you  are  to  bear,  no  part  in  the 
expedition  against  Canada.  I'  take  it  that  that  part  of 
your  letter  is,  you  don't  go  in  person,  but  I  do  believe 
you  will  bear  a  great  part  in  encouraging  the  men  in 
so  good  an  undertaking ;  for  if  we  can  but  rout  out  of 
America  that  troublesome  enemy  the  French,  I  hope 


\> 


'■Ji 


rm 


m 


152 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRrLL. 


11 


■y,t 


we  shall  be  a  happy  people.  His  Grace  the  Duke  of 
Newcastle  writes  on  the  19th  of  April  last,  that  the  two 
regiments  commanded  by  Governor  Shirley  and  myself, 
\/ere  to  garrison  Louisburg,  and  that  he  was  com- 
manded by  his  Majesty  to  recommend  it  to  us  to  use 
the  utmost  diligence  in  completing  the  two  regiments 
to  the  highest  establishment  ur  that  purpose,  and 
furthermore  it  was  expected  that  the  several  governors 
in  the  colonies  would  assist  therein,  and  that  I  would 
do  all  in  my  power  for  the  success  of  an  expedition 
against  Canada,  which  desire  I  look  upon  it  to  be  my 
indispensable  duty  to  comply  with,  by  every  means  in 
my  power.  It  has  been  a  very  great  grief  to  me  that 
those  brave  officers  and  soldiers  with  us  on  the  expedi- 
tion against  Cape  Breton  have  not  been  better  paid. 
My  desire  is  to  go  to  England  next  spring.  As  to  the 
commissions  sent  to  me  blank,  I  am  sure  I  made  no 
difference  between  the  men  raised  in  one  government 
or  in  another  who  were  in  the  expedition,  and  shall  not 
in  any  future  favors  that  \h  in  my  power.  You  are 
sensible  that  Capt.  Wooster  has  a  commission  for  cap- 
tain in  my  regiment,  and  Mr.  Nathan  Whiting,  who,  I 
understand  you  have  a  particular  value  for,  will  have  a 
commission  also ;  and  in  New  Hampshixe  Capt.  Mason 
is  appointed  a  captain  in  my  regiment ;  and  to  Colonel 
Moore's  nephew  I  have  given  an  ensign's  commission. 
I  am  glad  Connecticut  has  done  so  much  towards 
raising  men  for  my  regiment,  and  I  hope  you  will  still 
continue  your  good  offices  to  help  complete  the  same. 
I  should  esteem  it  as  a  particular  favor  if  you  would  be 
pleased  to  make  my  compliments  to  all  those  brave 
officers  that  served  with  us  in  the  last  campaign,  and 
in  particular  to  Colonel  Burr,  Colonel  Lathrop,  and 
Colonel  Guthridge.     I  shall  be  glad  fj  serve  yourself 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBUBQ. 


153 


or  any  friend  of  yours ;  and  am,  with  great  esteem  and 
respect,  Your  most  humble  servant, 

W.  P. 


He  writes  to  General  Waldo,  one  of  the  council, 
from  Kittery :  — 

"  I  am   concerned    about    the    province    of 
Maine;  am  afraid  it  will  be   lost  if  the   war  ®fP!g^' 
holds  out  long,  without  there  i    some  care  taken 
of  it. 

"  I  should  think  it  would  now  be  a  good  time 
to  build  a  fort  at  Penobscot ;  pray  think  of  it,  and  put 
it  forward  if  you  are  of  that  opinion.  I  was  in  hopes 
you  would  have  called  here  on  your  way  to  Boston.  I 
should  be  glad  to  hear  from  you,  and  if  the  General 
Court  is  likel;,  to  sit  any  length  of  time,  and  you  think 
I  can  be  of  service,  although  I  am  not  well,  yet  will 
endeavor  to  come  to  Boston." 

The  building  of  a  fort  at  Penobscot  was  a  favorite 
measure  with  Pepperrell,  aa  a  security  against  the 
inroads  of  the  eastern  Indians  in  time  of  war.  It  was 
delayed  until  the  year  of  his  decease,  and  when  at  last 
accomplished  by  Governor  Pownall,  it  proved  to  be  of 
great  service  to  Maine. 

In  August,  1746,  Governor  Knowles  writes  to  Sir 
William  twice,  to  send  his  officers,  particularly  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Ryan,  immediately  to  Louisburg,  as 
Major  Mercer  then  in  command  needed  them.  Sir 
William  replies :  "  I  have  given  particular  orders  to 
Lieutenant- Colonel  Ryan  and  other  officers  that  are 
not  immediately  employed  in  recruiting,  to  repair  to 
Louisburg,  and  hope  they  will  soon  be  there." 

Governor  Knowles  writes  soon  after  in  respect  to  his 


fi 


i^ 


i.,\H 


154 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPBKRELL. 


discipline :  *'  When  I  tell  you  that  several  days  pass 
without  one  man's  being  confined  by  guard,  you  will 
think  I  have  effected  wonders,  but  such  is  the  conquest 
I  have  made  over  Rum,  and  at  which  I  rejoice  not 
a  little."  Sir  William  replies :  "  I  sincerely  congratu- 
late you  upon  your  conquest  as  to  the  article  Rum, 
which  must  be  very  happy  in  its  consequences. 
Although  your  Excellency  remarks  that  you  find 
no  season  for  pleasure  at  Louisburg,  I  cannot  but 
think  that  the  good  effects  of  your  discipline  in  the 
garrison,  and  the  fact  that  you  have  placed  it  in  such  a 
posture  for  defence  as  will  enable  you  to  receive  a  visit 
from  Monsieur,  must,  in  retired  hours,  give  you  no  small 
degree  of  satisfaction." 

Colonel  Ryan,  on  his  arrival  at  Louisburg,  presented 
to  Governor  Knowles  his  own  commission  and  those  of 
the  subaltern  officers,  which  were  sent  by  him  from  the 
war  office  in  London.  It  soon  appeared  that  all  was 
not  right,  some  of  the  commissions  of  lieutenant  had 
been  erased.  Governor  Knowles  writes  to  Sir  Wil- 
liam:—    '     * 


.,  liouisburj,  December  U4,ni6. 

Sir,  —  I  dvisired  you  some  time  ago  to  send  down 
the  commissions  for  your  officers  here,  which  I  am 
sorry  to  observe  to  you  are  not  yet  all  arrived,  and 
several  of  those  which  are  come  have  erasures  in  the 
names  and  dates,  which  gives  discontent.  A  commis- 
sion for  Lieutenant  Watmough,  filled  up  in  England 
by  Colonel  Ryan,  was  antedated,  and  made  senior  to 
Lieutenant  Gordon,  which  occasioned  a  long  debate, 
and  particularly  as  Mr.  Watmough's  name  was  not  on 
the  list  of  officers  delivered  from  the  war  office  to  your 
agent. 


AFTER  TUE  CONQUEST  OF  L0VI8BURQ. 


155 


It  has  ever  been  esteemed  a  high  favor  to  be  intrusted 
with  the  filling  up  of  blank  commissions,  and  I  must 
confess  it  appears  to  m(  )mething  strange  that  a  lieu- 
tenant-colonel of  a  regiment  in  England  should  have 
the  power  to  fill  one  up,  and  that  that  commission 
should  not  be  entered  either  in  the  war-office  or  with 
the  commissary  of  the  musters.  However,  to  appease 
my  astonishment  at  that,  I  am  given  to  understand 
Colonel  Ryan  is  still  possessed  of  a  blank  commission 
for  a  captain,  in  case  of  accidents,  which  fills  me  with 
greater  wonder.  You  know  best,  Sir,  what  commis- 
sions you  have  given  him  ;  but  you  will  excuse  me  for 
saying  I  won't  admit  of  his  using  that  authority  in  this 
garrison  whilst  I  am  governor,  without  its  being  signi- 
fied to  me  by  the  secretary  of  state  to  be  his  Majesty's 
pleasure,  nor  will  I  suffer  any  alteration  to  be  made  in 
the  muster-rolls  or  victualling-lists  whatever;  let  the 
erasures  be  for  whom  they  will  in  the  commissions. 
I  am,  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

Charles  Knowles. 

P.  S.  As  you  have  given  Captain  Jacobs  leave  to  go 
home  without  my  approbation,  I  hope  you  will  send 
the  rest  of  the  officers  down  immediately  to  their 
respective  duties,  as  I  requested  some  time  ago,  except 
such  as  are  absolutely  necessary  for  recruiting,  and  I 
desire  to  have  a  list  of  the  names  of  those,  etc. 

Sir  William  replies :  —  "As  to  the  commis- 
sions for  the  officers  in  the  regiment  I  hav«*  the    j^^^   ' 
honor  to  command,  I  sent  every  one  of  their-,  in 
Louisburg  last  summer,  except  Lieutenorit  Watkins's, 
who  was  recruiting  at    Newfoundland.      Lieutenant 
Glazier  has  his,  and  expected  to  leave  in  the  Mermaid. 


J 


ii 


':H 


•:i 


i\ 


n. 


1  :'•;!-, 


:1 


156 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


1 


I'  • 


"  When  I  received  the  blank  commissions  from  Col- 
onel Ryan,  it  appeared  to  me  that  there  had  been  gone 
erasures  in  the  names.  I  asked  him  the  reason  of  it,  oi.d 
he  told  me  it  was  done  before  he  took  them  out  of  the 
war  office.  I  solemnly  declare  I  never  made  the  least 
erasure  in  any  of  them.  All  that  came  blank  to  me  I 
filled  up  with  my  own  hand,  excepting  that  of  ensign 
for  Robert  White.  I  never  saw  Lieutenant  Watmough, 
nor  his  commission. 

"  I  join  with  your  Excellency  that  it  is  a  high  favor 
to  be  intrusted  with  the  filling  up  of  blank  commis- 
sions, and  he  that  makes  a  breach  of  that  trust  ought  to 
be  condemned.  All  the  blank  ones  I  received  were  de- 
livered me  by  Colonel  Ryan,  not  inclosed  in  a  packet, 
but  loose.  Sir  William  Yonge  does  not  mention  the 
number  of  blank  commissions  sent  me  to  fill  up.  In- 
closed you  have  an  extract  from  his  letter  relating  to 
the  commissions. 

"  His  Grace  th-?  Duke  of  Newcastle  wrote  me  on  the 
11th  of  September,  1745,  viz.:  — '  You  will  see  that  his 
Majesty  has  beeji  pleased  to  nominate  the  field  officers, 
five  captains,  the  captain-lieutenant,  nine  lieutenants, 
and  five  ensigns,  to  your  regiment ;  and  to  sign  blank 
commissions  for  two  captains,  eleven  lieutenants,  and 
four  ensigns,  which  will  be  transmitted  to  you  herewith, 
and  which  are  to  be  filled  up  by  you  with  the  names  of 
such  gentlemen  as  htrve  distinguished  themselves  in  the 
late  expedition,  or  as  you  shall  think  otherwise  the  best 
qualified  for  his  Majesty's  service.'  And  in  another  let- 
ter from  his  Grace,  of  the  9tb  April,  1746,  which  I 
showed  your  Excellency  at  Louisburg,  he  writes:  — 
*  I  am  commanded  by  his  Majesty  to  recommend  it  to 
you,  in  a  particular  manner,  (as  I  also  do  to  Mr.  Shir- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


Iff? 


ley,)  to  use  the  utmost  diligence  in  completing  your 
regiment  to  the  highest  establishment  for  that  purpose; 
and  in  order  to  make  it  the  more  practicable  and  easy 
for  you  to  comply  with  his  Majesty's  directions  in  this 
respect,  the  king  has  been  pleased  to  comnmnd  me  to 
acquaint  you  that  his  Majesty  will  accept  such  recom- 
mendations as  you  shall  make  of  persons  to  succeed  to 
the  commissions  that  shall  at  any  time  become  vacant 
in  your  regiment.* 

Colonel  Ryan  delivered  me  but  one  captain's  com- 
mission, eleven  lieutenants',  and  four  ensigns' ;  the  other 
captain's  commission  I  demanded  of  him,  and  he  told 
me  it  was  with  the  commissions  that  were  filled  up  in 
England  for  the  officers  then  at  Louisburg,  and  with  his 
other  papers  was  put  on  board  a  vessel  and  could  not 
be  got  at,  and  that  he  would  send  it  to  me,  which  he 
has  not  yet  done. 

As  for  my  giving  any  officer  leave  to  go  from  his 
post  at  Louisburg,  I  never  designed  any  such  thing  with- 
out your  approbation ;  neither  should  I  have  given  leave 
to  Captain  Jacobs,  had  it  not  been  for  his  ill  health,  and 
the  importunity  of  Admiral  Warren,  who  promised  to 
apologize  to  your  Excellency  for  the  act. 

I  hope  every  officer  in  these  parts,  belonging  to  my 
regiment,  will  be  at  Louisburg  by  the  time  you  receive 
this,  excepting  Captain  Samuel  Gardner,  recruiting  in 
the  province  of  Massachusetts,  Lieutenant  Edmund 
Dwight  and  Jjieutenant  Robert  Mackinen  in  Pennsyl- 
vania,  having  sent  orders  to  all  the  others  to  hasten  to 
their  post  at  Louisburg,  with  what  men  they  have  en- 
listed, and  these  shall  soon  be  sent  after  them. 

May  I  request  this  favor  of  your  Excellency,  that 
you  would  be  pleased,  after  you  have  read  the  inclosed 

14 


.  I 


' 


ii 


m 

r   11 

I'   i 


i 


iJ 


.5' 


■■'fli 

m 


158 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLI  A  ^I  PEPPERRELL. 


I  >  >  '  j 


to  Colonel  Ryan,  to  order  it  to  be  sealed  and  delivered 
to  him,  and  to  receive  the  captain's  commission,  and 
bring  it  with  you  to  New  England,  where  I  hope  to 
have  an  opportunity  to  wait  on  you." 

Soon  after  he  writes  again :  t—  "  Having  been  in- 
formed that  you  have  directed  Captain  Gayton  of  his 
Majesty's  ship  Mermaid  to  sail  for  Louisburg,  in  order 
to  wait  v/n  you  to  New  England,  I  beg  leave  to  wish 
you  a  safe  and  agreeable  passage,  and  to  give  you  an 
invitation  to  my  house  on  your  way  to  Boston,  where  I 
would  endeavor  to  make  such  time  as  your  Excellency 
may  be  pleased  to  favor  me  with,  as  pleasant  to  you  as 
may  be  in  my  power ,  and  if  you  should  incline  to  see 
the  country  between  this  and  Boston,  the  roads  are  such 
as  would  admit  of  your  having  a  pleasant  journey,  and 
I  have  a  chaise  and  pair  at  your  service." 

Sir  William  thanks  Colonel  Bradstreet  for 
jjig^  '  notifying  him  of  slanders  circulated  at  Louis- 
burg, in  reply  to  which  he  says  :  "  It  having 
been  told  me  that  the  commissions  sent  blank  for  the 
subalterns  were  a  perquisite  to  colonels,  until  the  corps  of 
the  New  England  forces  was  altered,  which  I  think  was 
some  time  in  May  last ;  my  answer  was  that  if  it  was  my 
due,  I  ought  to  have  it ;  if  otherwise,  I  did  not  desire  it; 
and  I  heard  that  the  other  regiment  acted  accordingly. 
Some  of  the  commissions,  when  they  were  delivered 
me  by  the  lieutenant-colonel,  had  been  erased.  I  asked 
him  the  reason  of  it,  and  he  told  me  it  was  done  in  the 
secretary  of  war's  office,  before  they  were  delivered  to 
him.  As  to  my  part  I  never  erased  them,  but  only 
filled  them." 

Complaint  was  sent  against  Colonel  Ryan  by  Gover- 
nor Knowles  to  the  secretary  of  war,  together  with  the 
deposition  of  Robert  Webb,  an  ensign  in  Sir  William's 


of 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


159 


regiment,  who  testifies  that  he  gave  Lieutenant- Colonel 
Ryan,  late  of  said  regiment,  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
guineas  for  his  commission  of  ensign  of  a  company  of 
foot  in  the  said  regiment,  and  that  the  said  Ryan  told 
this  deponent  that  he  bought  the  said  commission  of 
Sir  William  Pepperrell. . 

Ryan  continued  in  the  command  of  the  regiment, 
under  Pepperrell,  until  he  was  arrested  in  the  summer 
of  1747 ;  but  his  unfitness  for  the  office  will  appear 
from  the  following  letter,  written  by  Colonel  Bradstreet 
to  Sir  William  :  — 

Louishurg,  March  19,  1747. 

Dear  Sir,  —  I  am  sorry  to  tell  you  that  ever  since 
the  arrival  of  your  lieutenant-colonel,  your  regiment  has 
not  been  one  hour  at  rest.  Such  disputes  between  him 
and  the  officers  are  surprising,  and  he  in  the  wrong  in 
every  one.  They  have  worked  him  so  now  that  he  has 
taken  to  his  bed,  and  is  determined,  since  the  gov- 
ernor will  not  let  him  go  to  Old  England  or  New  to 
settle  about  the  regiment's  bills,  that  he  will  die,  which, 
if  he  keeps  his  word,  he  will  do  well,  for  then  he  will 
rid  the  world  of  a  r —  and  a  fool.  He  is  as  great  a 
novice  in  the  service  as  one  of  the  common  soldiers,  and 
I  will  pronounce  that  whilst  he  commands  a  regiment, 
and  suppose  it  complete  and  composed  of  the  best 
troops  in  his  Majesty's  service,  that  in  two  years  it 
would  dwindle  to  nothing.  Your  major  and  he  are 
much  out,  on  account  of  the  major's  having  leave  to  go 
to  England  soon,  and  that  he  cannot.  As  I  doubt  not 
of  their  sending  you  the  proper  returns  of  the  regiment 
at  least,  shall  say  nothing  on  that  head ;  but  would  just 
mention  to  you  that  it  would  not  be  amiss  to  give 
Mr.  Sparhawk  a  hint  how  he  writes  to  Ryan  as  well 


y 


\. 


!  :\l 


It 


:■ '  f 


!  \] 


m 


'•I 


1 


160 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


as  yourself,  for  he   is  made   up  of  nothing  but  low 
viilany. 


i 


iii^ 


!1 


The  whole  matter  of  selling  Ensign  Webb's  commis- 
sion, and  of  erasing  the  name  of  a  lieutenant  and  insert- 
ing Watmough's,  being  laid  before  the  secretary  of  war, 
he  ordered  Ryan  to  be  tried  by  a  court-martial,  and 
being  found  guilty,  he  was,  in  the  autumn  of  1747, 
dismissed  the  service.  '       "^ 

Sir  William  then  brought  an  action  against  him  for 
defamation,  in  saying  he  had  bought  of  Sir  William 
Ensign  Webb's  commission,  also  another  suit  for  re- 
cruiting-money advanced  him,  and  unaccounted  for. 
The  result  of  these  suits  will  appear  hereafter. 

The  Reverend  Stephen  Williams,  of  Longmeadow, 
was  in  the  expedition  at  Louisburg,  as  chaplain,  and 
was  greatly  esteemed  and  respected  by  Sir  William  for 
his  high  order  of  talents  and  fervent  piety.     On  hearing 
that  an  expedition  to  Canada  was  contemplat- 
1746. '  ^^»  ^®   wrote  a  request  that  he  might  be  per- 
mitted to  accompany  the  baronet,  who  replies :  — 
Feb.  4,        « I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  your  kind 
expressions.     If  the  Almighty  should  ever  call 
me  into  the  service  of  my  country  again,  I  hope  He  will 
make  me  willing  to  go,  and  give  me  faith  to  rely  and 
trust  in  Him.     I  have  great  reason  so  to  do,  for  He  has 
wonderfully  preserved  me,  and  done  great  things  for 
one  of  the  worst  of  sinners.     O  that  I  may  be  enabled 
to  live  to  His  honor  and  glory,  as  well  as  to  speak  of 
His  mercies.     No  gentleman  could  be  more  acceptable 
to  me  as  chaplain  than  yourself. 

"  I  shall  do  all  in  my  power  in  favor  of  the  poor  cap- 
tives for  whom  you  intercede.  I  sincerely  wish  you  and 
yours  the  best  of  Heaven's  blessings.     Desiring  remem- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


161 


brance  in  your  petitions  to  the  Throne  of  Grace  for 


>5 


mercy 

In  March,  17 17,  Sir  William  writes  the  following  to 
his  Excellency  Governor  Wejitworth  :  — 

Sir,  —  The  Honorable  Peter  Warren,  Esquire,  hav- 
ing signified  to  me  in  a  letter  dated  the  24th  of  October 
last  that  the  Right  Honorable  the  Jiords  Commissioners 
of  the  Admiralty  by  letter  to  him,  dated  13th  of  March 
last,  had  directed  him  to  build  four  ships  of  war  in 
New  England,  two  of  them  of  twenty-four  guns  and 
two  of  forty-four  guns,  and  the  said  Peter  Warren, 
Esquire,  having,  in  his  aforementioned  letter  to  me, 
desired  that  I  would  undertake  to  agree  with  some  ship- 
wright or  shipwrights  for  the  erecting  and  building  one 
of  the  said  ships  of  forty-four  guns  in  Pascataqua,  and 
whereas  I  have  been  treating  with  Colonel  Nathaniel 
Messerve  of  this  province,  and  have  proposed  his  com- 
ing under  contract  for  his  Majesty's  service  in  England, 
and  being  desirous  of  advice  concerning  the  value 
of  such  a  ship,  I  beg  you  will  be  pleased  to  appoint 
three  or  more  gentlemen  of  probity,  skill,  and  judgment 
in  ship-building,  to  take  the  premises  under  considera- 
tion, and  report  in  writing  to  your  Excellency  as  soon 
as  may  be,  what  such  a  ship  m  woiik  per  ton,  to  be 
built  and  completely  furnished  in  the  manner  aforesaid. 
.  •  W.  P. 

Gt)vernor  B.  Wentworth  ordered  Joshua  Pierce, 
Jotham  Odiorne,  and  Mark  Hunking  Wentworth  to 
estimate  the  value  of  such  a  ship,  who  reported  nine 
pounds  per  ton  as  a  fair  price  for  government  to  give 
for  the  vessel,  to  be  completely  fitted  with  forty-four 


guns. 


14 


'       1  <i 


162 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPEBRELL. 


This  undertaking  opened  a  correspondence  between 
Sir  William  and  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty,  who 
furnished  him  with  models  and  directions,  and  honored 
ihis  drafts  while  the  vessels  were  building.  When 
finished,  they  were  loaded  with  spars  and  naval  stores, 
and  sent  to  London  under  convoy,  having  only  one  tier 
of  guns  mounted.  The  ship  was  called  the  America, 
and  was  esteemed  one  of  the  best  frigates  in  the 
British  navy. 

It  seems  almost  incredible  that  one  man  should 
be  able  to  attend  to  so  many  and  such  diversified 
branches  of  business  at  once,  —  a  merchant,  chief 
justice  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  senior  colonel 
of  a  regiment  and  thereby  commander-in-chief  of  the 
militia  of  Maine,  president  of  the  governor's  council, 
colonel  of  a  regiment  in  the  regular  British  army,  and 
superintendent  and  accountant  of  the  recruiting  service, 
commissioner  to  treat  with  the  Indians,  manager  of 
the  largest  landed  interests  in  New  England,  owner 
of  saw-mills,  extensively"  engaged  in  the  fisheries, 
superintending  the  building  of  a  frigate,  and  all  the 
while  corresponding  with  persons  engaged  in  these 
various  pursuits,  with  the  recruiting  officers  of  his 
regiment,  and  with  his  old  companions  in  arms.  Yet 
his  biographer  and  pastor.  Rev.  Dr.  Stevens,  says  that 
it  was  a  common  remark  of  him,  that  whatever  he 
undertook  was  always  sure  to  succeed. 

His  British  regiment  was  stationed  at  Louisburg, 
where  he  sent  recruits  as  fast  as  they  could  be  enlisted. 
In  July,  1747,  he  fell  it  due  to  his  regiment  to  visit  it, 
and  wrote  to  Governor  Shirley  for  advice,  saying 
he  had  received  a  letter  from  Governor  Knowles  in 
which  he  writes :  "  I  beg  you  will  make  use  of  my 
name  to  the  captains  of  any  of  the  king's  ships  that 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURQ. 


163 


,     li 


may  arrive  at  Boston  for  to  accommodate  you  with  a 
passage ;  had  I  any  ship  to  send  for  you  I  really  wouldj 
but  if  the  Achilles  (my  schooner)  will  suit  you,  pray 
command  her  when  ready."  I  desire  your  Excellency 
would  be  pleased  to  favor  me  with  your  advice, 
whether  I  had  not  best  proceed  immediately  in  that 
schooner,  provided  they  will  call  in  hers  (Kittery)  and 
take  my 'Stores,  etc.,  on  board.  For  if  I  should  not 
embrace  this  opportunity  it  may  be  too  late  before 
I  have  another  to  go  there  and  return  before  winter. 

"  If  your  Excellency  should  have  any  thoughts  of 
sending  Captain  Tyng  to  guard  the  fisheries  on  the 
Sable  Island  banks,  by  your  permission  he  might  land 
me  at  Louisburg,  and  visit  the  eastern  harbors  on  his 
return.  Your  commands  I  shall  at  all  times  gladly 
obey." 

Governor  Shirley  advised  the  commander  of  the 
Achilles  to  send  Sir  William  notice,  by  express,  to  be 
ready,  and  that  he  would  call  for  him  at  Kittery. 

A  close  intimacy  existed  many  years  between  8ir 
William  and  Judge  Hill  of  Berwick,  who  commanded 
a  company  in  his  regiment,  and  w^as  an  associate  at  the 
council  board  and  on  the  bench.  Sir  William's  will 
was  always  in  the  judge's  keeping,  and  wishing  to 
make  some  alterations  in  it  before  sailing  for  Louis- 
burg, he  despatched  a  messenger  for  it.  and  then 
returned  it  to  his  custody.  On  the  eve  of  his  de- 
parture he  published  a  notice  to  all  deserters  from  his 
regiment,  \,hat  "if  they  would  immediately  return  to 
their  duty  they  should  be  kindly  received,  and  have 
their  offences  forg'ven  and  their  passages  paid  to  Louis- 
burg ; "  adding,  that  "  all  ablebodied  men  who  are 
inclined  to  enlist  in  his  regiment  shall  be  clothed, 
treated,  and  paid  well." 


;  I 


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164 


LIFE  OF  SIB  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


'M:. 


I 


. 


i 


': 


Admiral  "Warren,  who  left  Boston  for  the  British 
Channel  soon  after  the  proud  reception  of  Pepperrell 
and  himself,  writes  from  Portsmouth,  April  2, 1747,  and 
among  other  things,  respecting  their  accounts  at  the 
war  department. 

Dear  Sir,  —  I  had  a  very  agreeable  passage  to  Eng- 
land. Since  my  arrival  here  I  have  been  very  much 
hurried  in  order  to  pass  our  accounts  for  the  disburse- 
ments at  Louisburg,  but  can  do  nothing  for  want  of  all 
the  vouchers  from  Mr.  Green,  to  whom  I  beg  you  will 
write  to  send  all  of  them  as  soon  as  possible.  I  do 
assure  you  that  all  those  disbursements  lie  as  a  very 
heavy  charge  upon  you  and  me,  and  wilt  do  so  upon 
our  heirs  if  we  do  not  take  care  to  clear  them.  ♦  *  * 
My  expectation  of  going  to  America  with  a  squadron 
'if  ships  prevented  my  writing  to  you  on  this  head 
before;  but  that  being  otherwise  determined,  and  I 
employed  in  channel  service,  and  only  a  few  ships 
intended  for  your  coast,  not  proper  for  my  rank  to  com- 
mand, I  now  earnestly  beg  you  will  think  of  extricating 
both  yourself  and  me  from  the  difficulties  we  are 
jointly  involved  in  by  our  accounts  with  the  public 
offices,  which  give  me  leave  to  tell  you  if  neglected 
may  be  the  ruin  of  us  both.  T  hope  you  are  very 
forward  in  the  ship  to  be  built  by  you  for  the  crown, 
and  that  you  will,  as  you  promised,  recommend  my 
nephew,  Mr.  Johnson,  to  the  cornmand  of  the  first 
company  that  shal'  be  vacant  in  your  regiment.  I 
dare  say  you  will  htiar  I  have  done  every  thing  in  my 
power  for  the  service  of  America  in  general,  and  of 
New  England  in  particular.  I  am  so  much  hurried  I 
can  only  assure  you  that  I  shall  never  while  I  live, 
lessen  in  my  esteem  and  ffiendship  for  you.     My  best 


I  ;- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURQ. 


165 


regards  attend  you  and  Governor  Wentworth,  and  all 
other  friends  in  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire.  I 
shall  ever  be  proud  of  an  opportunity  of  serving  them 
and  you,  being  very  sincerely,  etc.,  etc. 

It  was  in  the  autumn  of  1746,  that  the  French  fleet 
was  dispersed  and  wrecked  or  disabled,  and  returned  to 
France.  The  following  year  another  fleet  of  thirty- 
eight  sail  was  fitted  out  from  France,  under  M.  de 
la  Jonqui^re,  who  was  the  third  officer  in  rank  in 
D  Anville's  fleet.  One  part  of  this  flfeet  was  appointed 
to  convoy  six  East  India  ships,  and  the  rest,  with  the 
transports  and  merchantmen,  full  of  soldiers'  stores  and 
goods,  were  destined  for  Canada  and  Nova  Scotia. 
The  English  Admirals,  Anson  and  Warren,  sailing  in 
pursuit  of  this  fleet,  fell  in  with  it  on  the  3d  of  May, 
when,  after  a  regular  and  well-fought  battle,  the  French 
struck  their  colors.  Six  of  their  men-of-war  and  all 
their  East  India  ships  were  captured,  and  between 
four  thousand  and  five  thousand  French  were  made 
prisoners.  This  was  the  third  disaster  that  befell  the 
French  navy  within  less  than  three  years,  —  the  first 
at  Louisburg,  when  the  Vigilant  was  captured  with 
other  armed  vessels  off"  the  harbor;  the  second  in  1746, 
under  the  Duke  D'Anville,  when  a  large  fleet  was 
dispersed  by  tempests  and  nearly  unmanned  by  pesti- 
lence; and  in  this  third  defeat,. the  loss  of  ships  was 
attended  by  the  loss  in  property  of  a  million  and  a 
half.  For  this  glorious  achievement  Admiral  Warren 
was  in  turn  made  a  Baronet. 

Sir  William  was  delighted  at  the  success  of  his  old 
companion  in  a'-ms,  and  after  congratulating  him 
adverts  to  the  difficulties  met  with  in  settling  their 
accounts,  and  encourages  him  that  his  nephew  will  be 
provided  for. 


I;!  i 


r  1 


i  ■!! 


166 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


f 


at 


tit 


[To  Admiral  Warren.] 

Louisburg,  September  10,  1747. 

Dear  Sir,  —  I  left  New  England  the  beginning 
of  last  month,  and  upon  my  arrival  here,  I  received 
your  most  esteemed  favors  of  the  2d  April  and  1st 
June  last;  and  hearing  of  your  good  success  against 
the  French  fleet,  and  the  honor  conferred  on  you  of 
Baronet,  has  given  me  such  pleasure  as  I  cannot  find 
words  to  express. 

I  am  much  concerned  to  hear  you  meet  with  diffi- 
culty in  getting  our  accounts  passed.  ]VIr.  Green  is 
now  having  the  vouchers  compared  and  signed  by 
Governor  Knowles .  to  go  by  this  conveyance,  and 
I  have  ordered  Messrs.  Apthorp  and  Sparhawk  to 
hasten  theirs,  and  I  design  to  take  my  passage  for  New 
England  next  week.  If  they  have  not  sent  them 
before,  I  shall  hasten  them.  I  am  sure  all  our  accounts 
are  honestly  kept,  and  considering  the  difficulty  we 
labored  under  after  we  came  into  this  place,  in  having 
the  French  to  take  care  of,  the  houses  torn  in  pieces,  the 
rain,  no  fuel  in  the  garrison,  and  the  long,  cold  winters, 
that  it  was  impossible  to  do  things  in  a  regular  manner, 
as  might  have  been  done  in  a  regular  garrison.  I  am 
sure  we  made  no  advantage  to  ourselves,  and  to  suffier 
in  our  estates  would  be  very  hard.* 

I  have  written  you  several  letters  since  you  left  New 
England,  but  do  not  find  whether  you  wrote  me,  or  had 
received  either  of  them. 


*  The  deficient  vouchers  am'^unted  to  twen'y-six  thousand  pounds 
sterling,  but  new  certified  vouchers  were  obtained  for  about  the 
whole  sum.  '         ||'    .    • 


V 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


167 


I  sent  by  the  Mermaid  to  the  Lords  of  the  Admiralty 
and  to  the  commissioners  of  the  navy,  a  copy  of  tlie 
contract  to  build  two  forty-four's,  made  with  Colonel 
Messerve,  as  you  desired.  I  think  he  will  build  a  fine 
ship,  and  hope  it  will  be  an  honor  to  the  country.  I 
was  obliged  to  agree  with  him  to  pay  in  sterling 
money. 

Your  nephew,  Mr.  John  Warren  Johnson,  left  this 
place  a  few  days  before  I  arrived,  in  order  to  wait  on 
Lady  Warren  to  England,  as  we  hear  you  have  sent  one 
of  his  Majesty's  ships  for  her. 

Nothing  would  give  me  greater  pleasure  than  to  have 
an  opportunity  to  serve  yourself  or  any  friend  of  yours. 
There  is  no  company  as  yet  become  vacant  in  our  regi- 
ment, neither  has  any  officer  died.  I  am  sorry  there 
should  be  occasion,  the  day  I  arrived,  for  a  court-martial 
being  held  by  order  of  his  Majesty,  for  trying  my  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Ryan,  for  filling  up  a  blank  commission 
without  leave,  and  it  is  believed  he  will  be  cashiered. 
If  so  there  will  be  a  vacancy  for  your  nephew,  provided 
the  rank  in  my  regiment  go  according  to  seniority,  the 
major  to  be  lieutenant-colonel ;  and  I  now  mention  this 
to  you  that  you  may  move  in  time,  and  I  shall  write  to 
the  secretary  of  war  in  his  favor,  and  shall  be  glad  if 
something  may  be  done  to  advance  his  prospects.  But 
as  Captain  Blayney  is  the  oldest  captain,  he  will  expect 
to  be  made  major. 

We  are  too  sensible  of  the  value  of  your  services  to 
New  England  even  to  doubt  of  your  doing  all  in  your 
power  to  serve  us ;  and  your  kind  expressions  of  friend- 
ship to  me  lay  me  under  new  obligations.  I  hope  I 
shall  never  do  any  thing  to  lessen  your  friendship.  And 
it  is  my  earnest  desire  that  the  Almighty,  who  rules 
and  governs  all  things,  will  still  be  with  you,  and  make 


li   MW 


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ii    } 


168 


LIFE   OP   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


you  a  still  greater  blessing  to  yoar  king  and  country. 
I  hope  your  most  estimable  lady  and  children  will 
arrive  in  safety.     I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  Lend  and  most  obedient  servant, 

TV,  P. 
P.  S.  If  Major  Mercer,  who  was  sent  some  Lime  past 
to  England  by  Governor  Knowles,  should  be  removed 
into  another  regiment,  then  there  may  be  a  vacancy  for 
Bradstreet. 


'! 


J 


Sir  William  writes,  on  the  same  date  as  the  above, 
to  the  Right  Honorable  Henry  Fox,  secretary  of  war, 
that  Colonel  Ryan,  by  order  of  his  Majesty  to  Governor 
Knowles,  is  on  trial  for  filling  up  a  lieutenant's  blank 
commission  to  Edmund  Watmough  without  authority, 
and  requests  "in  case  he  is  dismissed  that  he  would 
apply  to  his  Majesty  to  have  Lieut** nant  Warren  John- 
son, nephew  to  Admiral  Sir  Peter  Warren,  and  a 
very  promising  young  gentleman,  appointed  captain," 
"  w^hom,"  he  ulcls,  "  I  have  a  very  great  regard  for,  and 
if  his  Majt  4y  would  be  pleaded  to  give  him  the  com- 
mission it  u  v>uld  be  very  grateful  to  me."  The  request 
was  complied  with  much  to  the  gratification  of  Pep- 
perrell. 

He  furnishes,  at  the  same  time,  an  account  of  his 
progress  in  filling  his  regiment  and  the  difficulties 
encountered.  "  Governor  Shirley,"  he  says,  "  having 
communicated  to  you  an  account  of  the  difficulties 
attending  the  raising  of  recruits  for  his  Majesty's  regi- 
ment under  his  command,  and  the  necessary  and 
unavoidable  charges,  I  must  take  leave  to  refer  you 
thereto,  not  to  give  your  honor  the  trouble  of  having 
the  same  repeated  by  me.  I  would  only  take  the 
freedom  to  intimate  that  his   Majesty's  regiment,  of 


f 

AFTER  TUB  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


169 


which  I  have  the  honor  to  be  colonel,  has  labored 
under  still  greater  difficulties,  and  the  loss  it  has  sus- 
tained of  soldiers  that  have  been  detached  from  this 
place  in  some  of  the  small  armed  vessels  to  reconnoitre 
the  eneniy,  has  been  considerable.  As  I  am  informed 
that  the  troops  raised  for  the  expedition  against  Canada 
are  to  be  disbanded,  I  have  determined  to  embark  im- 
mediately for  Boston  with  Governor  Knowles,  with  a 
view  of  improving  the  opportunity  for  recruiting  my 
regiment,  but  as  I  hear  that  a  I'mber  of  soldiers  are  to 
be  raised  from  them  for  th(  v  of  Annapolis  Royal, 

I  expect  to  meet  with  ditli..  they  were  enlisted 

for  an  expedition  only  aga.  ada,  they  will  ex- 

pect the  same  bounty  as  if  they  never  had  been  enlisted, 
but  nothing  in  my  power  shall  be  wanting  to  complete 
the  regiment." 

Sir  William's  royal  regiment  was,  by  order  of  the 
king,  to  consist  of  ten  companies.  One  of  the 
weekly  returns  mentions  the  following  list  of  vl^^^' 
officers  as  captains :  1.  Sir  William  Pepperrell ; 
2.  Lieutenant- Colonel  Ryan  ;  3.  Major  Mercer ;  4. 
Captain  Blayney ;  5.  Captain  Boyles ;  6.  Captain 
Jacobs ;  7.  Captain  Bradstreet ;  8.  Captain  Mason ;  9. 
Captain  Wooster;  10.  Captain  Gurdner.  The  organ- 
ization of  armies  seems  to  have  been  different  from 
that  of  modern  times.  In  the  army  that  went  to 
Louisburg,  Pepperrell  was  lieutenant-general,  and  also 
colonel  of  a  regiment.  In  the  above  list  he  is  colonel 
of  the  regiment  and  captain  of  one  of  the  companies, 
and  his  lieutenant-coloael  and  major  are  captains  also. 

Captain  Blayney  was  a  man  of  some  distinction  at 
home,  and  was  a  favorite  with  Sir  William,  to  whom 
he  writes :  "  I  beg  you  will  be  so  good  as  to 
remember  your  promise,  and  ask  Mr.  Knowles    "^' 

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170 


LIFE   OF  SIR   WILLIAM  PBPPERRELL. 


and  the  commanding  officer,  that  I  may  go  to  New 
England  this  winter,  as  I  long  greatly  to  see  it;  and 
could  I  have  the  pleasure  of  attending  you  to  Old 
England,  as  I  hear  you  are  going,  it  would  give 
me  great  pleasure,  as  I  am  intimately  acquainted  with 
several  persons  at  court,  whom  you  will  be  obliged  to 
see,  as  Lords  in  waiting  to  his  Majesty,  and  the  Duke 
of  Richmond  who  is  my  personal  friend,  and  I  am  sure 
will  esteem  it  a  particular  favor."  Sir  "William  replied : 
"  Before  I  go  to  England  I  shall  endeavor  to  see  you, 
and  should  be  pleased  to  have  you  travel  with  me,  and 
to  serve  you  at  all  times."  But  in  a  short  time  after  he 
had  the  pleasure  of  congratulating  Blayney  on  his  pro- 
motion to  major  in  Shirley's  regiment,  and  concludes 
his  letter  with  a  regret  at  losing  him  from  his  own  regi- 
ment, and  reiterates  the  desire  to  have  his  company  in 
a  trave^  through  England,  which  he  hopes  soon  to 
underl  .«:e. 

In  the  summer  and  autumn  of  1746  there  were 
frequent  rumors  of  French  fleets  being  expected  to 
attack  our  seaports,  on  which  occasions*  Pepperrell 
addressed  circulars  to  all  his  militia  captains,  one  of 
which  is  before  us,  and  reads  thus :  "  Kittery,  Sept.  18, 
1746.  There  is  talk  of  a  French  fleet  being  on  our 
coast ;  if  so,  you  may  depend  there  will  be  an  army  of 
French  and  Indians  upon  our  backs.  Pray  be  careful, 
and  direct  all  the  captains  in  Berwick  to  see  that  all 
the  men  are  provided  with  arms  and  ammunition,  and 
let  there  be  a  good  watch  kept  in  your  town,  and  be 
much  upon  your  guard."  Circular  orders  like  this 
were  frequently  issued  to  the  captains  during  this  and 
the  following  year,  some  of  which  are  still  preserved  in 
York  county  as  autographs. 


•■■'^agpiS^ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


171 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


After  a  few  weeks  passed  at  Louisburg,  in  oversee- 
ing the  concerns  of  his  regiment,  Sir  William  left  it 
under  the  command  of  his  senior  officer,  Captain  Chad 
Blayney,  —  the  lieutenant-colonel  being  cashiered,  and 
the  major  absent  in  London.  He  embarked  in  the 
squadron  of  Admiral  Charles  Knowles,  who  left  Louis- 
burg under  the  charge  of  Lieutenant-Governor  Hopson. 
On  their  passage,  when  near  Cape  Sables,  on  the  24th 
of  September,  they  encountered  a  storm  so  violent  that 
the  Canterbury  was  obliged  to  throw  overboard  sixteen 
guns,  the  Warwick  lost  all  three  of  her  masts,  the 
schooner  Essex  lost  her  three  guns,  and  the  Achilles 
was  obliged  to  cut  away  her  main  topmast.  In  this 
shattered  condition  they  arrived  in  Boston  on  the  2d 
of  October,  excepting  one  vessel,  the  Shark,  which  put 
into  Pascataqua.  Sir  William  describes  the  storm  in  a 
letter  to  Lieutenant-Governor  Hopson,  giving  the  fore- 
going particulars.  In  the  same  letter  he  subjoins  a  few 
words  in  favor  of  the  bearer,  a  lady  who  had  formerly 
resided  at  Louisburg :  — 

"  This,  I  expect,  will  be  delivered  you  by  Mrs.  De- 
caret,  a  gentlewoman  who  was  at  Louisburg  when  it 
was  surrendered  to  us.  She  and  her  relations  had 
many  houses  there.  She  tells  me  her  design  in  going 
there  is,  to  open  a  coffee-house.  She  has  a  good  char- 
acter, and  as  it  must  be  pleasing  to  every  generous 
person  to  show  kindness  to  the  distressed,  I  recommend 


.^B   \l 


172 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


her  to  your  favor.  To-morrow,  I  design  to  set  out  for 
Pascataqua,  where  my  dwelling  is,  and  shall  be  glad  to 
render  you  any  service  in  my  power.  My  best  respects 
to  the  honest  chaplain  and  all  inquiring  friends.'' 

Pepperrell,  soon  after  landing  in  Boston,  took  his  seat 
as  President  of  the  Governor's  Council,  and  Knowles 
proceeded  to  repair  his  ships  and  equip  them  for  active 
service.  Having  done  this,  he  dropped  down  the  harbor, 
and  anchored  at  Nantasket  Roads.  By  this  time  a  large 
number  of  his  men  had  deserted,  and  he  thought  it 
reasonable  that  Boston,  where  they  had  escaped,  should 
supply  him  with  as  many  men  as  he  had  lost.  Early  in 
the  morning  of  November  17th,  he  sent  his  boats  up  to 
town,  and  surprised  not  only  as  many  seamen  as  could 
be  found  on  board  any  of  the  ships,  outward  bound  as 
well  as  others,  but  swept  the  wharves,  taking  some  ship- 
carpenters'  apprentices  and  laboring  landsmen.  His  con- 
duct was  universally  resented,  as  outrageous.  A  mob 
soon  collected,  and  at  nightfall  several  thousand  people 
assembled  in  King  (now  State)  street,  below  the  town- 
house,  where  the  General  Court  was  sitting.  Brickbats 
and  other  missiles  were  dashed  through  the  windows 
into  the  counciUchamber.  The  governor,  by  advice  of 
Pepperrell  and  other  cour'  «rs,  made  a  speech  from 
the  balcony,  in  which  he  c  uiemned  the  impress,  and 
promised  his  utmost  endeavors  to  have  the  men  released, 
and  he  gently  repreliended  the  turbulent  proceedings  of 
the  people,  but  without  effect.  Pepperrell,  with  all  his  per- 
sonal popularity,  was  equally  unsuccessful  in  stilling  the 
tumult.  The  f^eizure  and  restraint  of  the  commanders  and 
other  officers  who  were  in  town,  was  insisted  on,  as  the 
only  method  likely  to  procure  the  release  of  the  inhabi- 
tants from  on  shipboard.  The  militia  of  Boston  were 
summoned  next  day  to  the  aid  of  government,  but  re- 


/■ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


173 


fused  to  appear.  Apprehensive  of  still  greater  outrages, 
the  governor  withdrew  to  Gastle  William.  Letters 
meantime  were  passing  between  him  and  the  commo- 
dore, while  Pepperrell,  who  of  all  persons  was  best 
adapted  to  meet  such  an  emergency,  exercised  his  mas- 
terly tact  in  pouring  oil  upon  the  troubled  waves,  yet  at 
the  same  timp  urging  upon  the  Council  and  House  of 
Representatives  the  necessity  of  passing  vigorous  resolu- 
tions condemning  such  riotous  proceedings.  The  course 
was  successful.  A  town-meeting  was  called,  in  which 
both  the  high-handed  course  of  the  commodore,  in  order- 
ing the  impress,  and  the  tumult  of  the  populace,  were 
alike  censured.  "  The  militia  of  the  town  the  next  day 
promptly  made  their  appearance,  and  conducted  the 
governor  with  great  pomp  to  his  house.  The  commo- 
dore dismissed  most  if  not  all  of  the  inhabitants  who 
had  been  impressed,  and  the  squadrox^  sailed,  to  the 
great  joy  and  repose  of  the  town."  Pepperrell's  agency 
in  extricating  the  commodore  from  his  difficulty  won 
his  gratitude  and  respect,  as  will  hereafter  appear  from 
his  subsequent  letters. 

A  few  days  after  this  disturbance,  December  9th,  and 
whilst  the  legislature  was  in  session,  the  old  Province 
house  took  fire,  and  its  whole  interior  was  consumed. 
The  legislature  adjourned  its  session  to  a  hotel,  and 
there  dissolved,  to  meet  the  following  February.  Sir 
William  did  not  appear  until  after  he  received  the  fol- 
lowing letter  from  General  Waldo :  "  Your  presence  in 
the  General  Court  has  been  always  of  great  service  to 
Maine,  and  I  assure  you  it  was  never  more  necessary 
than  at  present,  though  little  else  has  yet  happened  than 
fruitless  debates  about  a  place  for  building  a  Province 
house.  You  have  doubtless  heard  it  was  voted  at  Cam- 
bridge.    They  have  now  got  it  at  Roxbury ;  and  very 

15* 


r 


174 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


probably,  as  the  Board  of  Councillors  have  this  day 
been  so  hardy  as  to  pass  a  non-concurrence,  it  may 
again  be  in  Boston.  Mr.  Royal  offered  them  five  hun- 
dred pounds,  old  tenor,  if  they  would  build  it  at  Cam- 
bridge. I  have  endeavored  to  outdo  him  in  generosity, 
and  have  proposed  to  some  of  the  leading  men,  as  I 
think  they  are  called,  in  the  honorable  house,  a  gift  to 
the  province  of  100,000  acres  of  land,  and  that  next 
adjoining  the  court  house,  if  they  will  build  it  at  Penob- 
scot ! !  and  rather  than  fail,  though  my  esteem  for  land 
does  not  abate,  I  would  go  to  a  further  quantity,  if  well 
assured  all  the  members  would  attend  there !  It  how- 
ever accorded  with  the  views  of  Sir  William,  and  of  a 
large  majority,  to  repair  the  old  Province  house,  which 
was  occupied  by  the  legislature  until  the  present  State 
house  was  built,  and  has  always  gone  by  the  name  of 
the  Old  State  House,  since  the  Revolution. 

Early  in  1748,  Sir  William  notifies  his  foreign  corre- 
spondents, that  he  had  retired  from  mercantile  pursuits, 
and  recommends  to  them  his  son  as  his  successor. 
About  this  time  he  was  severely  afflicted  with  rheu- 
matic fever,  from  which  he  was  ever  after  a  periodical 
sufferer ;  which,  in  a  letter  to  Governor  Shirley,  he  at- 
tributed to  the  cold  during  the  long  siege  against  Louis- 
burg,  and  to  the  shattered  condition  of  his  head-quarters 
during  the  following  winter.  To  his  friend  General 
Waldo  he  also  writes  of  his  ill  health,  and  thanks  him 
for  advice  to  quit  business,  which  he  says  he  has  already 
done,  excepting  some  affairs  that  none  but  himself  can 
well  settle. 

There  was  about  this  time  arising  an  unfriendly  spirit 
among  a  few  of  the  members  of  the  General  Court 
against  Sir  William,  which  originated  partly  in  his  de- 
termined opposition  to  the  land  bank^  and  to  an  inflated 


X 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


175 


paper  currency,  and  was  no  doubt  fostered  in  some  de- 
gree by  a  spirit  of  envy  at  the  distinguished  honors 
lavished  upon  him  by  king  and  people.  It  was  akin  to 
the  Newburgh  letters  that  were  written  against  Wash- 
ington. Among  the  leaders  of  this  faction  were  colonels 
Campbell  and  Robert  Hale.  General  Waldo  apprises 
him  of  it,  and  advises  to  bring,  when  he  comes,  the  ac- 
count of  their  proceedings  in  the  garrison  at  Louisburg, 
that  it  may  be  settled,  "  as  there  are  complaints  against 
us  from  several  quarters  of  our  not  having  done  our 
duty.  I  have  diverted  Campbell's  applying  to  the  Gen- 
eral Court  until  the  arrival  of  yourself.  Colonel  Moulton, 
and  Mr.  Hill.  On  the  appearance  of  either,  if  not  sooner, 
you  may  depend  on  hearing  of  petitions  by  way  of  com- 
plaint to  the  House.  The  mean  or  bad  spirit  that  will 
appear  will  be  disreputable  to  individuals,  and  probably 
may  prejudice  the  whole  country." 

Sir  William  little  thought  after  leaving  Louisburg, 
as  he  supposed  in  peace  and  friendship  with  his  officers 
there,  that  they  would  immediately  after  raise  a  storm 
more  trying  to  his  feelings  than  the  one  he  had  encoun- 
tered on  the  passage.  A  few  days  after  his  arrival  in 
Boston,  a  letter  was  received  from  Captain  Blayney, 
commander  of  his  regiment,  Mercer  being  absent,  in- 
closing a  letter  from  lieutenants  Glazier  and  Grant,  and 
ensign  Winslow,  the  purport  of  which  may  be  inferred 
from  the  following  reply  to  Blayney. 

Sir,  —  I  am  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  2d  Octo* 
ber,  and  at  the  same  time  received  a  very  impertinent 
one  from  Lieutenant  Glazier  of  my  regiment,  who, 
together  with  Lieutenant  Grant  and  Ensign  Winslow, 
I  understand  from  yours,  have  complained  cf  my  stop- 
ping a  year's  pay,  which  they  pretend  is  due  to  them 


176 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


!,       ■ 


for  service  done  for  the  regiment  before  they  received 
their  commissions.  A  copy  of  Glazier's  letter  I  inclose 
to  you,  in  which  I  persuade  myself  you  will  think  he 
has  treated  me  so  indecently,  that  it  would  be  showing 
him  too  much  regard  to  send  him  an  answer  to  it ;  and 
if  I  did,  there  could  be  no  other  proper  one  than  to  tell 
him  that  his  behavior  to  me  is  impudent  and  ungrate- 
ful in  the  extreme.  You  will,  therefore,  since  you  have 
so  far  indulged  him  and  the  other  two  officers,  as  to 
receive  their  complaints,  and  taken  the  trouble  upon 
you  to  represent  them  to  me,  give  me  leave  to  trouble 
you  likewise  with  an  answer  to  them,  together  with  a 
copy  of  Glazier's  letter  to  me,  which  I  desire  you  will 
take  an  opportunity  of  making  as  public  in  the  garri- 
son, by  reading  them  openly,  as  you  shall  judge  proper, 
or  as  it  seems  their  talk  has  been,  since  my  leaving 
Louisburg ;  for  not  one  of  them  thought  fit  to  make  the 
least  mention  of  their  pretended  grievance  to  me  whilst 
I  was  there,  but  waited  for  an  opportunity  to  raise  a 
clamor  about  it  behind  my  back,  which  I  think  a  base 
•circumstance  in  their  behavior. 

As  to  Lieutenant  Glazier  and  the  liberty  he  halt 
taken  to  observe  upon  my  disposal  of  a  commission  to 
Mr.  McKenny  (who  is  the  person,  I  suppose,  he  means 
in  his  letter),  in  the  manner  he  has  done,  all  I  need  say 
of  it  is,  that  it  is  contrary  not  only  to  the  duty  and 
gratitude  which  he  owes  me  as  his  colonel  and  bene- 
factor, but  to  common  decency,  and  that  I  have  reason 
to  think  Mr.  McKenny  will  not  disgrace  his  commis- 
sion nor  the  king's  service,  as  I  have  now  too  much 
reason  to  fear  he  will.  But  I  shall  further  add,  though 
I  think  it  is  too  condescending  to  vouchsafe  any  further 
answer  upon  it,  to  so  mean  and  ungrateful  a  man,  that 
1  had  very  early  promised  that  commission  to  Mr. 


/■ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


177 


Bourne,  who  had  served  at  Louisburg,  in  the  expedi- 
tion, and  that  upon  his  request,  and  for  his  benefit,  as 
well  as  for  the  service  of  my  regiment ;  Mr.  Me  Kenny 
having  engaged  to  raise  me  fifty  men  at  Philadelphia,  I 
did,  upon  his  being  recommended  to  me  as  a  gentleman 
well  qualified  for  an  officer,  fill  up  that  commission 
with  his  name  instead  of  Mr.  Bourne's. 

As  to  Lieutenant  Glazier's  pretending  a  right  to  one 
of  my  commissions  for  his  distinguished  behavior  in 
the  late  expedition,  I  do  not  think  he  has  the  least. 
Governor  Shirley  had  given  him  an  ensign's  commis- 
sion, and  upon  an  attempt  being  made  upon  the  island 
battery,  during  the  siege,  the  men  who  undertook  that 
enterprise,  and  were  thereupon  indulged  in  their  humor 
of  choosing  their  officers  in  it,  desired  he  might  go  with 
them,  in  the  rank  of  a  captain,  which  he  did ;  but 
whether  he  behaved  well  or  ill  upon  that  occasion  does 
not  certainly  appear. 

His  pretence  that  I  employed  him  as  an  officer  in 
my  regiment  before  I  delivered  him  his  commission,  or 
that  I  stopped  a  penny  of  pay  that  he  had  the  least 
claim  to,  is  groundless.  He  enlisted  one  or  two  men 
for  my  regiment  at  Louisburg,  for  which  service  I 
allowed  him  pay,  as  I  did  to  others  who  enlisted  men 
for  me ;  but  it  is  false  that  T  then  promised,  or  had  the 
least  thoughts  of  giving  him  a  commission ;  and,  I  dare 
say,  it  is  equally  so  to  pretend  that  he  had  any  expecta- 
tion of  it,  for,  upon  his  going  to  Boston^  he  took  beating 
orders,  from  Governor  Shirley,  to  raise  men  for  the  ex- 
pedition against  Canada,  in  his  rer^iment,  and  received 
money  for  enlisting  them,  as  all  th';  other  officers  in  that 
service  did,  and  was  to  have  a  commission  given  him  by 
Mr.  Shirley,  according  to  the  number  of  men  he  should 
raise,  upon  which  condition,  all  the  other  officers  in 


178 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


that  expedition  took  their  beating  orders,  and  acted  as 
he  did;  and  so  he  continued,  till  upon  his  failing  of 
success  in  raising  aay  number  of  men,  he  applied  to 
me  in  New  England,  telling  me  he  could  not  return 
again  to  his  trade  (carpenter),  and  should  be  ruined  if  I 
did  not  provide  for  him  in  my  regiment ;  upon  which, 
and  the  intercession  of  several  persons,  particularly 
Major  Titcomb,  who  told  me  he  should  take  the  favor 
as  done  to  himself,  I  did  out  of  regard  to  the  major, 
and  compassion  for  him,  give  him  a  commission.  Ma- 
jor Titcomb,  indeed,  and  he  promised  that  he  should 
raise  some  men  for  the  regiment,  but  he  never  raised 
one  afterwards,  so  that  I  was  obliged  to  order  him  to 
his  post  at  Louisburg  without  any.  The  day  that  he 
received  his  commisson  he  drew  for  subsistence,  and 
continued  to  from  that  time ;  and  though  he  had 
received  some  of  the  regiment's  money  to  enlist  men, 
he  has  not  yet  accounted  for  one  penny  of  it.  His 
commission,  indeed,  I  dated  in  September,  1745 ;  but 
surely  no  man  of  common  sense  will  say  he  had  the 
least  right,  when  I  gave  it  to  him,  to  claim  a  year's 
previous  pay,  in  which  he  had  rendered  no  service  in 
the  regiment,  any  more  than  he  had  to  have  his  com- 
mission antedated.  And  if  (as  he  pretends)  I  did,  upon 
his  quitting  all  pretence  of  drawing  pay  before  he  re- 
ceived his  commission,  and  thereby  gave  him  the 
advantage  of  a  year's  rank,  was  any  wrong  done  him  in 
receiving  from  him  an  acquittance  of  pay  which  was 
not  due  to  him ;  and  did  he  not,  on  the  other  hand, 
receive  »>n  advantage  by  his  commission's  being  ante- 
dated ;  and  how  can  he,  with  the  least  truth  or  modesty, 
say  that  he  paid  a  penny,  or  gave  any  consideration  for 
his  commission,  in  this  case  ? 

He  writes  in  a  strain  as  if  he  had  a  right  to  his  com- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


179 


mission  from  the  beginning ;  he  says  he  '^  could  not  have 
it  from  me  till  I  stopped  a  yeafs  payV  Pray  what  right 
had  he  to  the  commission  above  other  officers  of  the 
expedition,  or  any  other  person  whom  I  might  thinit 
proper  to  give  it  to?  Was  I  under  any  obligation 
from  his  Majesty  to  dispose  of  it  to  him,  or  any  other 
of  his  brother  officers  ?  Was  I  not  at  liberty  to  dis- 
pose of  it  to  any  suitable  gentleman  I  pleased?  and 
am  I  accountable  to  any  one  but  his  Majesty  for  mak- 
ing use  of  the  commissions  he  intrusted  me  with? 
Nay,  had  the  lieutenant  been  obliged  to  give  an  acquit- 
tance of  pay  that  was  really  due  to  him,  before  I  would 
consent  to  give  him  the  commission,  or  had  I  even 
taken  a  sum  of  money  out  of  his  pocket  as  a  present 
for  it,  what  has  a  court  of  inquiry  to  do  with  that  ?  or 
if  they  had,  I  presume  they  would  scarcely  inquire  into 
the  matter  behind  my  back,  and  without  giving  me  an 
opportunity  to  defend  my  honor  against  these  com- 
plaints, especially  when  the  officers  who  make  them 
must  at  all  events  act  dishonorably  and  ungratefully  in 
the  case.  For  was  it  as  they  state  it,  namely,  that  I 
had  taken  a  gratuity  from  them  for  giving  them  the 
preference  in  my  disposal  of  the  commissions,  by 
which  they  now  enjoy  a  considerable  advantage,  which 
they  had  no  right  to  claim  from  me  above  others  of 
their  fellow  officers,  or  which  I  might  have  disposed  of 
to  a  stranger,  was  it  not  base  and  ungrateful  in  them 
to  tiy  in  my  face  for  it,  and  against  all  rules  of  honor 
to  demand  that  gratuity  back?  But  this  is  not  the 
case ;  they  had  no  right  to  a  farthing  of  the  pay,  they 
pretend  to  say  has  been  stopped  from  them,  which 
makes  their  behavior  still  more  base  and  ungrateful, 
and  I  should  think  the  countenancing  of  it  against  the 


180 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


custom  of  the  army.  I  hope  my  using  such  plain 
terms  may  be  excused,  when  it  is  considered  that  these 
three  subalterns  have  no  pretence  to  the  name  of  gen- 
tlemen, but  from  the  king's  commission,  which  they 
obtained  through  my  favor,  and  most  unworthily  wear. 
As  to  their  pretence  that  they  lost  any  part  of  their 
New  England  pay,  on  account  of  the  commissions  I 
gave  them,  if  they  have,  it  must  V  their  own  fault  in 
not  applying  for  it  properly. 

It  would  be  repeating  the  same  thing  to  speak  of 
Grant  and  Winslow.  Grant  in  particular  had  beating 
orders  in  the  service  of  the  Canada  expedition,  till  he 
received  his  commission  from  me,  as  Glazier  had,  and 
never  was  employed  by  me,  nor  by  any  officer  in  my 
regiment,  till  I  delivered  him  his  commission.  And  as 
to  this  poor  creature,  whom  I  have  been  obliged  to 
support,  after  being  sent  out  of  the  garrison  for  dis- 
honoring his  commission,  by  making  part  of  Mr. 
Knowles'  kitchen,  I  must  observe  that  I  find  his  ingrati- 
tude rises  in  proportion  to  his  obligations  to  me.*  As 
to  Winslow,  I  never  employed  him  in  the  least  service 
for  the  regiment,  or  promised  him  a  commission  ^  before 
I  delivered  one  to  him. 

Doubtless  the  pay  in  dispute  strictly  belongs  to  the 
king,  if  custom  has  not  made  that,  as  well  as  other 
vacant  pay,  the  colonel's  perquisite,  which  I  have  very 
good  authority  to  think  it  does.  If  it  does  not,  and  I 
am  mistaken,  it  lies  ready  to  be  stopped  as  a  saving  to 
the  crown. 


*  Grant  was  a  Salem  man,  and  was  highly  recommended  to  Sir 
William  for  a  captaincy,  by  Rev.  John  Sparhawk  of  Salem,  brother 
of  his  8on-in<law  Colonel  S.,  which  accounts  for  his  being  supported 
by  Sir  William. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


181 


In  two  or  three  months  after  the  date  of  the  above 
letter,  Mercer  returned  from  England  to  Louisburg, 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel  in  Pepper- 
rell's  regiment.  The  three  ofTicerB  who  had  addressed 
the  letter  to  which  th^^  foregoing  is  a  reply,  were  joined 
by  three  others  in  an  appeal  to  Lieutenant-Governor 
Hopson  for  redress ;  and  he  forwarded  their  complaints 
to  the  secretary  of  war,  without  giving  Pepperrell  any 
notice.  They  also  addressed  a  letter  to  Sir  William, 
to  be  forwarded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mercer,  to  which 
|ie  makes  the  following  reply,  addressed  to  Mercer :  — 


Kittery,  February  19,  1748. 

Sir,  —  Yours  of .  December  30th  is  received.  1 
observed  what  you  wrote  relating  to  the  copy  of  a 
letter  you  inclosed  me,  signed  by  Lieutenants  Dwight, 
Staples,  Grant,  Glazier,  Whiting,  and  Winslow.  I 
think  these  persons  have  treated  me  so  ill  in  their  letter 
as  to  render  it  improper  for  me  to  give  them  any  further 
answer  than  that  I  am  ready  to  respond  to  any  of  their 
complaints  to  the  secretary  of  war,  whenever  they  are 
made. 

The  blank  commissions  sent  me  all  bore  date  in  1745. 
These  persons  who  complain  had  pay  from  the  several 
governments  that  employed  them,  until  about  July, 
1746,  and  most  of  them  had  made  application  to  Gov- 
ernor Shirley  for  beating  orders  to  raise  men  to  go  in 
the  Canada  expedition,  and  had  enlisted  men  and  taken 
money  of  this  government  for  the  same.  Some  of 
them  made  an  advantage  of  it,  as  you  may  see  by  the 
inclosed  copies  of  affidavits,  by  clearing  the  men  after 
enlistment,  without  any  leave  so  to  do.  I  could  send 
more  of  them,  but  I  would  not  give  you  the  trouble. 
When  they  found  they  could  not  obtain  a  commission 

16 


■U'i  » 


182 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


for  that  expedition  to  Canada,  they  and  their  friends 
applied  to  me  for  one.  I  could  not  think  they  were 
entitled  to  pay  until  the  time  I  thought  fit  to  give  them 
the  commissions,  and  as  I  was  informed  that  the 
vacant  pay  belonged  to  the  colonel,  I  fairly  stated  the 
case  more  than  a  year  ago,  and  sent  it  to  the  agent  to 
bo  laid  before  the  honorable  secretary  of  war  for  his 
oj^inion,  that  if  I  had  a  right  to  it  I  insisted  on  it,  and 
should  dispose  of  it  as  I  pleased.  If  it  was  a  saving 
to  the  crown  it  was  well,  and  if  the  officers  had  a  right 
to  it  I  was  content,  for  I  never  desired  any  money  but 
what  I  had  a  just  claim  to,  and  could  own  before  the 
world.  I  have  never  made  any  use  of  the  money,  nor 
ever  designed  to,  until  I  was  well  assured  from  the 
secretary  that  it  did  of  right  belong  to  me. 

The  secretary  of  war  returned  the  following  answer 
to  the  six  complaints  :  — 

"  All  the  commissions  for  Sir  Willian^i  PepperrelPs 
regiment  were  dated  in  September,  1745,  with  blanks 
for  the  days  of  the  month  only.  They  were  sent  by 
Lieutenant- Colonel  Ryan,  who  went  first  to  New  Eng- 
land, and  there  tarried  until  Sir  William's  return  from 
Louisburg,  in  July  following,  when  they  were  put  into 
his  hands. 

"  All  the  officers  appointed  by  Sir  William  Pepperrell 
I  who  were  on  the  spot  and  did  duty  at  Louisburg,  had 
their  pay  from  the  establishment  of  the  regiment,  the 
24th  of  September,  and  so  had  those  officers  that  were 
first  employed  as  candidates  in  raising  men,  who 
applied  themselves  entirely  to,  and  succeeded  in  that 
service.  But  it  was  Sir  William  Pepperrell's  opinion 
that  those  who  had  nqiade  an  attempt  for  superior  com- 
missions by  endeavoring  to  raise  men  for  the  Canada 


y 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


183 


expedition^  or  who  had  not  otherwise  qualified  them- 
selves for  constant  services,  or  had  met  with  but  little 
success,  were  not  entitled  to  the  pay  from  the  date  of 
the  commissions,  which  he  could  not  alter,  and  there- 
fore took  their  relinquishments,  which,  whether  it  be  his 
perquisite  as  he  has  been  informed,  or  a  saving  to  the 
public,  makes  no  difference  in  his  apprehension  with 
respect  to  the  memorialists,  who  can  have  no  preten- 
sions to  it." 

Although  Sir  William  had  resolved,  as  stated  in  his 
letter  to  Captain  Blayney,  and  subsequently  to  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Mercer,  not  to  answer  the  impertinent 
letters  of  the  officers,  he  relented,  and  after  the  lapse  of 
a  year  he  addressed  them  the  following :  — 

[To  Lieutenants  Edmund  Dwight,  Peter  StapIey,|James  Grant,  Beamsley 
Glazier,  Nathan  Whiting,  Ensign  John  Winslow.] 

•  Kittery,  December  30,  1748. 

As  I  have  been  confined  for  some  time  by  a  cold! 
which  still  remains  upon  me,  I  cannot  enlarge,  but 
shall  defer  it  until  next  spring,  when  I  hope  to  see  you 
all  at  Louisburg.  I  don't  think  it  is  in  any  man's 
power  justly  to  accuse ^me  of  breach  of  promise,  and  I 
hope  it  never  will  be.  If  you  were  entitled  to  pay 
before  you  had  your  commissions  or  did  duty  in  the 
regiment,  I  have  no  power  to  hinder  it.  The  affair  has 
long  since  been  laid  before  the  Honorable  Secretary  at 
War,  though  I  have  no  account  of  his  determination,, 
not  having  received  any  letter  from  the  agent,  Mr.. 
Kilby,  for  several  months.  No  doubt,  if  you  write  him,, 
he  will  inform  you.  You  took  out  beating  orders  and 
the  government's  money  to  enlist  men  for  the  Canada 
expedition^  as  appears  by  the  obligations  under  your 
hands.     I  have  several  affidavits  sent  me  from  several 


184 


LIFE   OF  SIR   WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


parts,  much  of  the  same  tenor  as  the  inclosed.  Surely, 
had  I  known  this,  I  should  have  doubted  whether 
those  persons  were  entitled  to  his  majesty's  commis- 
sion, that  cleared  men  from  his  majesty's  service  with- 
out orders.  These  affidavits  were  sent  me  when  the 
signers  of  them  heard  how  my  character  was  treated 
by  some  ungrateful  persons  to  whom  I  had  been  a 
benefactor.  But  I  desire,  when  I  am  reviled,  not  to 
revile  again,  and  to  forgive  all  that  abuse  me.  I  am 
too  well  acquainted  with  ingratitude  not  to  know  from 
What  manner  of  persons  it  must  proceed. 

Yours,  etc.,        W.  P. 


g  The  Secretary  of  War  wrote  by  order  of  the 
Duke  of  Cumberland  to  both  Pepperrell  and 
Shirley,  against  whom  complaint  was  made  by  the 
officers  of  their  regiments,  that  he  not  only  approves 
but  applauds  the  stoppage  of  the  Cape  Breton  officers' 
back  pay,  (which  he  says,  however,  is  not  a  colonel's 
perquisite,  though  it  was  formerly,  that  it  must  now  be 
a  saving  to  the  crown,)  that  they  are  entitled  to  his 
Majesty's  favor  thereby,  and  they  may  depend  on  his 
Royal  Highness's  peculiar  regar4s. 

It  was,  doubtless,  apprehended  by  Sir  William,  that 
his  officers,  who  were  so  signally  foiled  in  their  attempt 
to  prejudice  him  with  the  government  in  London, 
would  resort  to  secret  detraction,  by  false  representa- 
tions to  individuals  there,  who  would  spread  them  be- 
fore the  public.  Rumors  of  the  kind  actually  reached 
him,  which  determined  him  to  embark  for  London,  to 
meet  and  silence  them.  Besides  this  object,  he  felt 
that  his  interests  there  required  his  presence. 

To  Governor  Shirley  he  writes,  "  I  have  pri- 

^      'vate  affairs  to  settle  in  England  with  several 


y 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


185 


merchants ;  and,  understanding  my  character  has  been 
aspersed  there,  I  have  thoughts  of  going  out  in  the 
Hastings,  but  have  not  fully  determined.  If  I  had, 
your  Excellency  should  have  known  it,  in  order  to 
receiving  your  commands,  which  it  would  give  me 
pleasure  to  execute.  I  hope  to  have  an  opportunity  to 
wait  on  your  Excellency  soon  in  Boston." 

Captain  Kinselagh,  of  Pepperrell's  regiment,  arrived 
at  Louisburg,  and  writes  him  respecting  the  rumors 
that  had  been  floating  against  him  in  London,  saying, 
"  I  had  the  pleasure  of  taking  my  leave  of  Sir  Peter 
Warren  and  lady,  and  Mr.  Kilby  at  Portsmouth.  They 
all  desired  to  be  remembered  to  you,  and  were  glad  to 
find  you  were  so  clear  of  the  reflection  of  selling  com- 
missions, as  also  of  taking  the  officers'  pay.  Mr.  Kilby 
had  shown  your  letter  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle 
(wherein  you  doubt  the  back  pay  being  your  due)  and 
to  the  Secretary  of  War,  who  were  well  pleased  with 
your  conduct  in  that  affair."  General  Waldo  received 
intelligence  about  the  same  time  from  persons  of  dis- 
tinction in  London,  relating  to  the  rumors,  and  their 
favorable  termination,  and  writes  to  Sir  William,  "  I 
congratulate  you  heartily  on  the  account  I  have  that 
your  mountain  stands  strong."  These  reports  relieved 
Sir  William's  mind,  and  induced  him  to  delay  his  voy- 
age to  London  until  the  following  year. 

Admiral  Knowles,  after  the  tumult  in  Boston,  sailed 
to  the  West  Indies,  to  cruise  against  the  French  and 
Spanish  shipping.  He  writes  from  Jamaica,  April  3, 
1748 : — 


Dear  Sir,— •!  embrace  this  opportunity  of  letting 
you  know  of  my  arrival  here  the  28th  of  January,  from 
Boston,  and  since  my  arrival  have  been  much  hurried 

16* 


186 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


to  get  the  squadron  fitted  for  the  sea,  all  hands  being  in 
port,  revelling  as  if  in  profound  peace,  with  nothing  to 
do,  or  you  should  have  heard  from  me  long  since  by 
some  opportunity  or  other.  As  soon  as  ever  the  ships 
could  be  got  ready  for  the  sea,  I  went  out  with  a  design 
to  attack  St.  Jago  de  Cuba,  but  the  winds  proving  north- 
erly, I  could  not  lay  hold  of  that  coast,  and  therefore, 
that  no  time  might  be  lost,  I  went  up  to  Port  Louis, 
upon  Hispaniola,  and  attacked  that,  and  the  8th  past 
took  it  afticr  some  hours'  pretty  warm  work  on  both 
sides.  There  were  in  the  fort  seventy-eight  guns, 
mostly  forty-two  and  thirty-six  pounders,  four  brass 
mortars,  and  great  quantities  of  all  kinds  of  ammuni- 
tion.  Thank  God,  the  loss  on  our  side  has  been  very 
inconsiderable,  the  enemy  more  than  six  times  our 
number.  After  having  blown  up  the  fort,  I  proceeded 
to  St.  Jago  as  at  first  designed,  but  found  the  enemy 
had  got  intelligence  of  my  intentions,  and  had  secured 
the  harbor's  mouth  with  vessels  and  fire-ships.  I  have 
therefore  requested  some  land  forces,  and  doubt  not  by 
next  spring  of  taking  it.  In  the  mean  time,  I  shall 
endeavor  to  distress  our  more  inveterate  enemy  the 
French,  at  all  places  where  ships  can  go.  I  have 
taken  and  destroyed  five  privateers  this  cruise,  and 
about  nine  or  ten  merchant  ships,  and  shall  get  fitted 
out  again,  I  hope,  in  about  a  fortnight,  and  be  amongst 
the  thickest  of  them  again. 

I  cannot  help  being  angry  with  the  malicious  author 
of  a  scurrilous  libel  published  against  me,  soon  after  I 
left  Boston,  which  Governor  Shirley  was  so  kind  as  to 
send  me,  and  to  express  his  resentment  at  As  he  tells 
me,  the  author  is  unworthy  and  below  my  personal 
chastisement,  I  am  determined  to  punish  him  to  the 
utmost  rigor  of  the  law ;  and  although  the  liberty  of  the 


/- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


187 


press  is  carried  to  a  great  length  in  England,  yet  I  am 
convinced  no  printer  dare  publish  so  scandalous  a 
reflection  upon  any  person  whatsoever ;  and  there- 
fore I  think  he  ought  to  be  punished  as  well  as  the 
author. 

I  am  far  from  reflecting  upon  any  gentleman  in  New 
England  upon  this  aflair  happening ;  on  the  contrary 
am  highly  glad  to  find,  as  Mr.  Shirley  tells  me,  they  all 
show  a  detestation  of  it.  This  will  be  delivered  you  by 
Captain  Pearse  of  the  new  twenty-gun  ship,  whom  I 
beg  to  recommend  to  your  favors,  and  as  the  Louis- 
burg  stationed  ship  will  sail  soon,  I  shall  write  you 
more  fully  by  her ;  being  with  great  truth  and  regard, 

Dear  Sir,  your  most  obedient  and  faithful  humble 
servant,  Charles  Knowles. 


He  writes  again :  — 

Jamaica,  April  15,  1748. 

My  dear  Sir, — This  accompanies  a  duplicate  of  my 
last,  since  which  nothing  has  'happened  in  these  parts 
worthy  your  notice ;  but  as  the  Worcester  was  bound  to 
Cape  Breton,  and  to  call  in  her  way  to  Boston,  I  could 
not  let  her  go  without  addressing  my  good  friend  Sir 
William  Pepperrell,  and  letting  you  know,  blessed  be 
God,  that  I  am  much  mended  in  my  health,  and  I  think 
gather  both  flesh  and  strength  daily. 

I  have  sent  you  by  Captain  Andrew  a  box  of  sweet- 
meats, and  desired  Governor  Shirley  to  send  you  part 
of  some  good  old  rum  I  have  sent  him.  You  shall  soon 
have  a  hogshead  yourself,  but  I  am  nice,  and  therefore 
till  I  can  meet  with  what  is  old,  choice,  and  good,  I  have 
deferred  it  at  present,  but  my  friends  have  promised  to 
get  me  some.     If  there  is  any  thing  that  these  parte 


188 


LIFB  OF  SIR  WILUAM  PEPPERRELL. 


afford,  I  beg  you  will  freely  lay  your  commands  upon  me, 
for  there  is  no  one  I  can  have  greater  pleasure  in  serving 
than  yourself.  I  shall  give  you  the  trouble  of  a  letter 
by  all  opportunities,  and  hope  some  of  them  will  convey 
you  agreeable  news.  I  know  you  sincerely  wish  me 
well,  and  therefore  my  satisfaction  will  be  double  when 
I  can  render  you  any  account  of  my  successes. 

My  best  compliments  to  all  friends,  and  believe  me, 
ever,  dear  Sir,  your  most  obedient  and  most  faithful 
humble  servant,  Charles  Knowles. 


Sir  William  addressed  Governor  Hopson  on  his  pro- 
motion to  the  command  of  Louisburg :  — 

April  22,  1748. 

Dear  Sir,  —  The  advice  of  your  appointment  to  be 
governor-in-chief  of  Louisburg,  gave  me  great  pleasure, 
and  I  congratulate  you  and  the  gentlemen  of  the  garri- 
son on  your  promotion.  Although  I  may  not  have  been 
so  early  in  my  address  on  this  head  as  others  of  your 
friends,  yet  I  beg  leave  to  assure  your  Excellency  I  am 
as  hearty  therein,  hoping  you  will  long  enjoy  it,  and 
that  I  shall  have  the  yet  further  satisfaction  of  seeing 
Cape  Breton  and  its  dependencies  annexed  to  the  crown 
of  Great  Britain,  and  become  a  flourishing  colony  under 
your  administration.  And  as  your  Excellency  is  satis- 
fied, from  its  situation,  that  it  may  be  of  the  utmost 
importance,  as  well  to  the  trade  of  Great  Britain  as  to 
the  security  of  all  the  Northern  colonies,  I  doubt  not 
you  and  your  friends'  interest  will  be  employed  in 
effectually  securing  it  in  English  hands,  which,  from 
the  late  success  of  our  ships  in  Europe,  and  Mr. 
Knowles's  in  the  West  Indies,  I  flatter  myself  may  be 
easily  effected. 


y 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


189 


I  have  applied  to  his  Majesty  for  permission  to  visit 
Europe,  which  if  obtained,  I  promise  myself  the  pleasure 
of  calling  on  you  on  my  way  at  Louisburg,  and  taking 
with  me  your  commands.  In  the  mean  time,  if  I  can 
render  you  any  acceptable  service  here,  I  shall  gladly 
court  the  occasion  to  let  you  know  how  much  I  am, 
dear  Sir,  your  Excellency's  most  faithful  and  humble 
servant,  W.  P. 


Sir  William  instituted  suits,  as  before  observed, 
against  Colonel  Ryan,  for  defamation,  and  brought  a 
civil  action  for  moneys  he  had  used  belonging  to  the 
regiment.  Mr.  Pratt,  an  attorney  in  Boston,  brought 
the  actions,  to  whom  and  to  Benjamin  Colman,  a  mer- 
chant there,  the  whole  matter  was  intrusted.  Great  as 
was  the  injury  done,  or  attempted  to  be  done,  to  Sir 
William,  his  natural  benevolence  caused  him  to  relent. 
In  a  letter  to  Colman,  June  21, 1748,  he  says :  "  When 
I  think  of  Colonel  Ryan,  what  a  poor  creature  he  is, 
and  I  am  afraid  forsaken  by  God  and  man,  I  cannot 
help  pitying  him,  and  if  he  would  make  a  proper  ac- 
knowledgment in  writing  and  secure  the  debt  to  r  e,  as 
far  as  it  is  in  his  power,  I  could  forgive  him,  but  I  am 
determined  to  refer  the  whole  matter  to  you  and  Mr. 
Pratt." 

Governor  Shirley  sent  for  Mr.  Colman  to  talk  about 
the  affair,  and  then  wrote  to  Sir  William,  advising  him 
to  accept  of  an  acknowledgment,  clearing  his  honor 
from  the  defamatory  expressions  of  Ryan,  and  an  order 
on  Mr.  Kilby,  the  agent  of  the  regiment  in  London. 
Ryan  signed  the  acknowledgment,  upon  which  Sir 
William  released  him  from  jail ;  but  before  a  bond  was 
executed  and  an  order  given  for  the  debt,  Ryan  made 


190 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


his  escape  in  a  ship  bound  to  England.  But  Kilby 
secured  the  debt  for  Sir  William,  When  Ryan  adjusted 
his  accounts  at  the  war  office. 

Governor  Hopson  having  written  him  a  request  to 
pay  a  tailor's  bill  for  work  done  for  his  regiment  at 
Louisburg,  his  answer  shows  his  sensitiveness  at  being 
thought  remiss  in  the  fulfilment  of  his  engagements.    . 


*  •  * 


As  to  what  jou  are  pleased  to  mention  re- 
lating to  the  making  of  the  waistcoats  for  the  regi- 
ment, I  have  to  say,  that  I  had  advanced  considerable 
money  for  said  regiment,  in  recruiting-money,  which 
I  sent  two  years  past  towards  paying  the  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  soldiers.  I  expected  this  tailor's  bill 
to  be  deducted  out  of  it.  It  cannot  be  expected  that  I 
should  be  acquainted  with  all  the  rules  of  the  army, 
but  so  far  as  I  do  know,  I  shall  endeavor  faithfully  to 
perform  my  duty  in  every  particular. 

I  do  think  it  is  the  first  time  that  ever  any  complaint 
was  made  against  me  for  not  paying  my  debts ;  and  if 
any  person  had  given  me  a  hint  that  the  bill  in  question 
could  not  have  been  deducted  out  of  that  money  which 
I  had  advanced  for  the  regiment,  payment  should  have 


been  ordered  long  since. 


Your  Excellency's  most  obedient. 


W.  P. 


During  his  absence  at  the  siege  of  Louisburg,  impor- 
tant events  transpired  among  Sir  William's  near  rela- 
tives at  home.     His  brother-in-law,  William  Tyler  of 
Boston,  writes  him:  "  Your  sister  Frost"  (widow 

*K45^'    ^^  *^®  ^**®  ^^"'  ^^^^  Frost)  "  came  to  town  to 

see  her  son  Joseph  who  we  thought  would  have 

died,  and  Rev.  Dr.  Colman  has  persuaded  her  to  come 


/■ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


191 


and  live  with  him,  and  they  are  to  be  married  in  thirty 
days  from  this  date.*  Her  son  Joseph  has  bought  her 
place  at  Great  Island,  and  is  going  to  live  on  it."  But 
a  more  interesting  event  related  to  his  only  son  now 
to  be  noticed. 


*Thcy  were  married  August  12,  1745,  and  Dr.  Colman  dying  two 
years  afler,  she  married,  after  a  lapse  of  another  year,  Judge  Prescott 
of  Danvers. 


192 


LIFB   OF  8IR  lYILLIAM  PEPPERRBLL. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


Andrew  Pbpperrell,  the  only  son  of  Sir  William, 
graduated  at  Harvard,  1743,  at  the  age  of  twenty. 
While  pursuing  his  preparatory  studies  and  during  his 
collegiate  years,  he  was  accustomed  to  mingle  in  the 
best  circles  in  Boston. 

His  mother's  family  were  among  the  best  connected 
of  the  town,  as  Balstons,  Chauncy,  and  Sewells.  He  was 
also  remotely  connected  by  marriage  with  the  family  of 
Jonathan  Waldo,  a  wealthy  merchant,  Mrs.  Waldo 
being  the  mother  of  Nathaniel  Sparhawk  his  brother- 
in-law,  whose  father  was  Rev.  Nathaniel  Sparhawk  of 
Bristol,  Rhode  Island.  Mr.  Jonathan  Waldo  had  a  son 
by  a  former  wife,  named  Samuel,  who,  to  the  best  edu- 
cation the  province  afforded,  added  the  advantages  of 
foreign  travel,  having  crossed  the  ocean  fifteen  times. 
Extensively  concerned  in  the  Waldo  land  patent  in 
Maine,  Samuel  passed  a  portion  of  his  time  at  Fal- 
mouth to  superintend  the  landed  interest.  On  the 
division  of  Pepperrell's  regiment  of  Maine  militia  into 
two,  Samuel  Waldo  was  appointed  to  the  command  of 
the  eastern  one.  He  was  also  chosen  many  years  a 
councillor  at  the  same  board  with  Pepperrell,  and  was 
largely  concerned  with  him  in  mercantile  affairs.  Young 
Andrew,  through  the  prominent  families  of  Waldo,  of 
Judge  Sewall,  Dr.  Chauncy,  Hirst,  and  his  uncle  Tyler, 
a  merchant,  with  their  numerous  acquaintances,  became 
extensively  known;  his  comely  person   and  polished 


^ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


193 


was 
mng 
o,  of 

ame 
shed 


manners  were  a  passport  to  the  best  circles;  and  his 
heirship  to  a  fortune  and  a  baronetcy  placed  him  in  the 
highest  social  position.  Among  the  young  ladies  that 
attracted  his  admiration  was  Miss  Hannah  Waldo, 
daughter  of  the  aforesaid  Colonel  Samuel  Waldo. 
Highly  educated,  accomplished,  and  beautiful,  Andrew 
could  not  resist  her  attractions,  and  after  some  desultory 
skirmishes,  he  struck  his  flag  and  acknowledged  himself 
vanquished.  They  were  betrothed  in  1746,  much  to 
the  gratification  of  both  families.  Sir  William  and 
Lady  Pepperrell  both  expressed  their  joy  at  the  prospect 
of  receiving  Miss  Hannah  as  the  wife  of  their  only 
son. 

The  lovers  of  romance  are  under  no  small  obligation 
for  the  rich  entertainment  furnished  them   by  several 
writers,  in  their  versions  of  this  aflair,  and  of  its  sad 
catastrophe.    But  their  materials  were  traditionary,  and 
from  the  nature  of  the  subject,  were  liable  to  embellish- 
ment in  their  transmission.      The  narratives  are  so 
gracefully  drawn  that  it  seems  hard  and  unkind  to  mar 
them  with  the  .weapons  of  sober  truth.     It  is,  however,, 
due  to  the  memory  of  the  young  lady  to  remove  from 
her  the  imputation  of  fickleness  and  heartless  coquetry,, 
which  the  authors  of  these  stories  have  unknowingly 
fixed  in  the  mind  of  every  reader.     But  for  this  con- 
sideration the  following  letters  would  have  been  sup- 
pressed.    They  are  not  a  continuous  series  of  all  that 
passed  between  the  parties  on  the  subject ;  but  there  is 
enough  contained  in  them  to  place  the  lady's  memory 
in  a  blameless  light.      Scattered    as    the   Pepperrell 
papers  have  been  to  the  four  winds,  it  was  only  after 
much  research  that  enough  have  been  gathered  to  set 
the  affair  right. 

17 


i^ 


194 


LIFE  OP  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERUELL. 


Sir  William  had  expressed  in  a  letter  to  General 
Waldo,  his  gratification  at  the  prospect  of  a  union  of 
their  families,  and  mentioned  the  amount  he  had  done 
and  intended  to  do  for  the  young  couple,  closing  his 
letter  with  kind  messages  to  Miss  Hannah. 

After  the  lapse  of  some  months,  General  Waldo 
writes,  January  9, 1748,  on  business,  and  adds :  "  As  to 
the  long  talked  of  affair  between  Mr.  Pepperrell  and 
my  daughter,  I  am  at  a  loss  what  to  think  about  it. 
You  know  matches  are  made  in  heaven,  and  what's 
appointed  must  be.  It  is  not  best  for  any  to  be  over- 
anxious, but  to  govern  with  prudence,  on  wbicii  head 
no  caution  is  necessary  to  you.  I  am  very  mtu.ii 
obliged  to  Lady  Pepperrell  as  well  as  yonv  <>lt  for  your 
good  liking  of  my  daughter,  and  more  especially  that 
she  should  become  yours.  The  proposed  union  gave 
me  great  pleasure,  and  the  more  so  as  I  knew  she 
could  not  fail  to  be  happy  in  your  family,  and  I 
promised  myself  it  was  not  in  her  power  to  misbehave. 
I  had  never.  Sir,  any  reason  to  doubt  of  yours  or  yoni 
lady's  heartiness  in  the  affair,  but  if  there  be  not  a 
mutual  good  liking  between  the  young  people,  it  will 
not  be  best  they  shoild  come  together.  But  I  leave 
the  affair  to  them. 

"  I  am,  by  yours,  confirmed  in  my  former  sentiments, 
that  you  had  done  very  handsomely  for  your  son. 
Above  a  twelvemonth  ago,  I  think  it  was,  I  had  a 
conversation  with  him  when  I  proposed  a  speedy  issue 
to  the  business,  and  assure  I  bim  my  intentions  as  to 
the  future  well-being  of  my  iJjMcrhter  v^'-v^,  not  con- 
tracted. He  declared  hii.iHii  in  a  very  genteel  and 
generous  manner.  The  sum  you  mention  is  large; 
part  of  it  is  probably  laid  out  upon  his  house.     Some 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBTTRO. 


195 


;nts, 
I  son. 
id  a 
Issue 

Ls  to 

Icon- 

and 

Jome 


misfortunes  he  has  met  with  in  trade,  n.nd  possibly  he 
may  think  that  the  improvement  of  the  remainder  may 
not  be  a  sufHcient  sum  to  support  upon  as  your  son. 
I  had  some  riifficuity  on  this  head  myself  before  mar- 
riage. I  got  wl'  t  I  could  from  my  father,  and  trusted 
Providt'ihi  for  tue  rest.  My  du  i^hter  is  very  well  and 
presents  her  duty  to  you  and  Lady  ^^'pperrell.  Be  also 
pleased  to  accept  of  my  best  regarUt  '' 

Both  fathers, .  ^  wr  hi;  ve  seen,  approved  of  the  match. 
Waldo  writes  aga  mi  in  I'ebruary :  "  I  am  obliged  tc  vou. 
Sir,  and  Lady  Pej.perrell  for  your  good  liking  of  the 
proposed  alliance  between  our  families ;  1  'thinj.' can  )e 
more  agreeable  to  me,  ind  ir  would  be  an  ad(  itiom.  I 
satisfaction  could  there  jc  o  speedy  consutumati<  n.  It 
has  been  long  enough  pei  ding  for  the  young  peo  ie  to 
know,  not  only  their  own.  mt  each  other  s  mind.  >  v 
good  liking  to  it  they  ha  e  both  of  them  been  g 
acquainted  with.  Till  latdy  I  flattered  myself  u.  r 
before  I  embarked  for  ijluro  le,  which  I  hope  will  «r 
soon,  (though  not  before  I  ma  ke  you  a  visit  to  Kitterj 
the  proposed  alliance  would  be  finished."  In  a  fetr 
days  he  writes  again  to  the  same  purport,  and  add» 
"  We  very  much  esteem  youri^  and  Lady  Pepperrell's 
kind  notice  of  us.  Miss  Haniiah  joins  with  me  in 
most  grateful  acknowledgments.-' 

Sir  William  writes,  March  15th :  "  I  observe  by  your 
letter  that  you  are  exceedingly  surprised  that  I  did  not 
know  the  reason  that  the  family  alfair,  so  long  pending, 
was  delayed ;  but  what  I  wrote  you  is  certainly  true ; 
and  if  ever  my  son  will  do  an  ill  thing  I  cannot  help  it, 
nor  ever  can  or  will  pretend  to  justify  it;  and  if  he 
never  marries  I  will  never  say  so  much  to  him  about  it 
as  I  have  said.     I  do  think,  so   far  as   I  have  been 


;;!1 


H£ 


'  I 


196 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


enabled,  that  I  have  discharged  my  duty  to  him.     It  is 
certain  that  he  has  laid  out  upwards  of  ten  thousand 
pounds  in  a  house,  contrary  to  what   I   should  have 
advised,  but  considerable  of  that  I  gave  him,  beside  the 
twenty-eight  thousand   I  mentioned,  and  my  design 
was,  that  if  he  should  marry,  I  should  give  him  land 
that  would  be  an  immediate  income,  but  if  he  does 
not,  I  look  upon  myself  to  be  the  best  judge  how  to 
dispose  of  my  estate,  and  shall  act  accordingly  as  long 
as  it  shall  please  the  Most  High  to  preserve  my  reason 
and  senses.     It  is  true  that  he  has  met  with  consider- 
able losses  in  his  trade,  but  from  what  I  know,  his 
interest  sent  abroad  is  safe,  that  he  has  upwards  of 
thirty  thousand  pounds,  old  tenor,  in  trade ;  considering 
that  he   has  wharves,  warehouses,  etc.,  fitted  to  his 
hand,  I  think  it  is  a  handsome  fitting  out,  and  if  he 
behave  himself  well,  as  long  as  I  am  able  I  shall  be 
doing  for  him.     I  always  thought  that  you  would  be 
doing  all  in  your  power  for  all  your  children,  and  I 
know  that  you  are  able ;  but  as  every  thing  in  this  life 
is  uncertain,  if  Providence  should  order  it  that  you 
could  not  give  Miss  Hannah  any  thing,  I  say  if  this 
should  be  the  case  (though  I  hope  it  never  will),  I 
should  be  freely  willing  my  son  should  marry  her,  and 
I  cannot  think  he  will  ever  be  happy  in  this  life  if  he 
don't,  nor  can  expect  a  blessing;  but  I  hope  he  soon 
will,  and  not  expose  himself  and  friends  to  unfriendly 
remarks.     If  you  knew  the  trouble  it  gives  me  to  write, 
you  would  readily  excuse  me  from  enlarging. 

"  Mrs.  Pepperrell  joins  with  me  in  best  respects  to 
yourself  and  family,  and  in  particular  to  Miss  Hannah. 

"  I  am  truly,  dear  Sir,  your  faithful  and  most  humble 
servant,  n  Wm.  Pepperrell." 


you 
this 


kts  to 
inah. 
imble 


liL. 


» 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


General  Waldo  vvrites  to  Sir  William  again :  — 


197 


'■  Boston,  March  20,  1748. 

Your  generous  declarations  respecting  the  depending 
match  between  your  son  and  my  daughter  Hannah,  I 
greatly  esteem,  and  am  much  obliged  to  you  for.  I  hope 
all  impediments  to  a  consummation  will  soon  end  in 
their  mutual  happiness,  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  their 
respective  friends,  as  well  as  the  mortification  of  those 
who  are  foes  to  every  one.  The  sum  you  mention  to 
be  in  Mr.  Pepperrell's  hands  is  undoubtedly  a  pretty 
fortune  in  itself,  and  beyond  all  dispute  a  handsome 
outset,  and  if  success  attend  his  endeavors,  he  may 
soon  make  a  good  figure  among  the  busy  part  of  the 
world.  Your  further  generous  intentions  towards  him 
will  yet  further  distinguish  as  well  as  advantage  him, 
and  your  advice  occasionally  will  be  of  no  small  im- 
portance in  the  pursuit  of  business ;  and  though  I  have 
no  reason  to  suspect  his  honor  in  the  pending  affair, 
yet  the  delay  (the  consequence  of  which  is  not  to  be 
foreseen)  must  be  very  disagreeable  to  us.  Your  own 
concern  for  the  issue  of  it  will  excuse  my  anxiety  for 
the  future  welfare  as  well  as  present  peace  and  honor 
of  my  daughter,  toward  which  it  is  my  duty  to  con- 
tribute my  best  endeavors. 

Miss  Hannah  joins  with  me  in  acknowledgment  of 
your  and  Lady  Pepperrell's  kind  notice  of  her,  and  in 
our  best  respects. 

Isaac  Winslow,  who  married  Miss  Hannah's  sister, 
writes  to  Andrew  Pepperrell :  — 

Boston,  May  3,  1748. 

"  Dear  Sir,  —  I  am  sorry  I  am  out  of  my  guess  that 
you  would  have  an  epistle  from  your  dear  friend.     But 

17* 


% 


m 


198 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPEBRELL. 


;■ 


I 


that  you  have  not,  I  dare  say  is  owing  to  nothing  more 
than  a  superior  modesty.  I  hope  your  business  will 
admit  of  your  seeing  us  sooner  than  June.  Consider 
that  after  that  comes  hot  weather,  and  I  hope  you  will 
give  us  the  pleasure  of  your  company  sooner.  I  have 
thoughts  this  month  of  showing  Mrs.  Winslow  Rhode 
Island,  and  I  would  fain  prevail  on  my  sister  Hannah 
to  accompany  us,  but  can't  yet  do  it.  If  we  could  also 
have  the  pleasure  of  your  company,  we  should  make  a 
delightful  tour  of  it,  and  I  wish  you  would  contrive  to 
be  here  by  the  middle  of  this  month."  Again,  May 
9th,  after  a  few  lines  on  business,  in  answer  to  a  letter, 
;he  writes :  "  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  invi- 
tation to  visit  Kittery,  and  hope  it  will  not  be  long 
'before  we  see  you  here,  that  we  may  have  the  pleasure 
of  returning  under  your  convoy.  I  had  the  pleasure  of 
•drinking  your  health  last  evening  at  my  father  Waldo's, 
about  10  o'clock.  It  was  at  that  time  when  your  dear 
Miss  Hannah  drank  the  toast,  with  the  usual  becoming 
•blush  on  her  countenance.  She  desired  me  to  send  you 
.her  compliments,"  etc.  Again,  May  29th,  after  a  few 
lines  on  business,  he  says  :  "  The  month  of  June  is  very 
near,  and  I  shall  then  hope  for  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
you  here.  Miss  Hannah  gave  us  the  pleasure  of  her 
.company  last  night,  and  is  very  well.  We  drank  your 
health."  Sept.  20.  —  "  Miss  Hannah  is  well,  and  gives 
her  service  to  you." 

Early  in  the  autumn  of  1748,  Mr.  Pepperrell  and 
Miss  Waldo  were  published;  soon  after  which  he 
was  attacked  with  a  lingering  fever,  which  left  him 
feeble  and  dispirited,  the  more  so  from  the  loss  of  prop- 
erty at  sea. 

Sir  William  writes  to  General  Waldo :  — 


^ 


and 
;h  he 

him 
prop- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


199 


Kitten/,  December  16,  1748. 

Dear  Sir,  —  Your  favors  of  the  5th  and  12th  inst. 
are  received.  I  make  no  doubt  but  you  will  meet  with 
many  friends  in  England.  I  wish  you  were  safe  there. 
I  am  tired  with  winter  journeys ;  should  be  glad  I  could 
contribute  any  thing  toward  building  the  proposed  fort 
at  Penobscot,  but  I  am  tired  of  trying.  If  Andrew 
would  go  and  be  married,  I  would  willingly  undertake 
one  winter  journey  more;  but  he  has  got  a  vessel 
which  he  will  endeavor  to  fit  out  this  winter,  contrary 
to  my  advice,  which  I  am  afraid  will  make  him  sick 
again. 

I  am  afraid  I  shall  lose  the  post,  and  cannot  enlarge. 
Mrs.  Pepperrell  joins  with  me  in  best  respects  to  your- 
self. Miss  Hannah,  etc.  W.  P. 

Colonel  Waldo  replies : —  '[' 

Sir, —  It  would  give  me  the  greatest  pleasure  to  wait 
on  you  and  Lady  Pepperrell,  and  all  the  good  family, 
upon  the  particular  occasion,  that  of  your  son's  marry- 
ing, which  would  induce  you  to  take  a  winter  journey, 
if  the  only  impediment  thereto  is  what  you  quote,  that  of 
the  intended  equipment  of  a  vessel  for  the  sea.  I  should 
think  that  could  stand  in  no  competition  with  the 
grand  affair  of  a  settlement  for  life,  which  he  has  been 
now  nearly  two  years  engaged  in,  and  it  gives  me  no 
small  concern,  as  the  honor  of  either  of  the  parties,  as 
well  as  my  own,  are  engaged  therein,  it  should  be 
seemingly  in  suspense ;  the  many  rascally  stories  that 
are  industriously  bruited  gives  great  amusement  to 
some  ill-natured  persons  among  us,  and  no  small 
chagrin  to  the  friends  of  either  party. 


A 


it  iV 

fi 

I 

M 

! 


-i' 


200 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


My  daughter  Hannah  makes  her  acknowledgments 
for  yours  and  Lady  Pepperrell's  favorable  regards  to 
her,  and  I  beg  that  mine  may  accompany  them,  and 
that  you  may  be  assured  that  I  am  your  most  faithful 
and  obedient  servant,  S.  Waldo. 

Sir  William  \^Tites  again,  March,  1749,  from  Kittery : 
"  Mrs.  Pepperrell  joins  with  me  in  your  wish  that  the 
alliance  between  our  son  and  your  daughter  were 
completed,  which  I  do  think  would  be  a  satisfaction  to 
all  their  friends,  and  a  means  of  putting  a  stop  to  the 
talk  of  their  enemies,  as  there  are  none  without  some. 
As  I  have  often  urged  him  to  finish  the  affair,  and  he 
has  declined  to  ^'^t  me  know  the  time  designated,  I  have 
no  thoughts  of  ni.-ntioning  it  to  him  again." 

The  delay,  as  will  appear  presently,  was  prolonged 
nearly  two  years  after  the  date  of  this  letter. 

Sir  William  sends  his  friend  Warren  from  Kittery 
by  the  mast-ship  Hastings,  his  usual  present  of  a  quintal 
of  dun-fish,  and  another  of  cusk,  and  writes,  Nov.  28, 
1748:  — 


As  we  understand  Louisburg  is  to  be  delivered  up  to 
the  former  owners,  I  could  wish  something  might  be 
done  for  Nova  Scotia,  by  fortifying  and  settling  it  with 
good  Protestants,  which,  by  prudent  management, 
might  bring  the  Indians  to  be  our  friends.  I  am  sensi- 
ble you  have  New  England  much  at  heart,  and  that 
nothing  will  be  wanting  in  your  power  for  the  service 
and  security  of  it. 

This  will  be  delivered  you  by  Major  Gilman  and 
Captain  Joseph  Sherburn,  whom  you  knew  at  Louis- 
burg to  be  very  serviceable  in  the  expedition.     They 


Z' 


AFTER  THB  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


201 


were  likewise  bound  on  the  expedition  to  Canada. 
I  know  you  love  to  reward  good  actions,  and  to  help 
men  to  justice,  and  I  hope  you  will  serve  these  gentle- 
men. As  the  ships  are  unmooring  I  cannot  enlarge, 
but  am,  with  the  utmost  respect,  honorable  and  dear 
Sir,  your  faithful  and  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

•  *  -'^    -  -'■'  -■  W.  P. 

» 

[From  Commodore  Warren,  j 

December,  n 48. 

I  have  received  several  of  your  favors,  which  should 
have  been  sooner  answered  if  my  time  had  allowed  me. 
I  am  extremely  glad  to  hear  of  your  and  all  my  friends' 
health  on  your  side  of  the  water,  and  wish  it  were 
more  in  my  power  than  it  is,  to  show  my  regard  for 
them.  I  presume  ere  this  will  reach  you,  the  forty  gun 
ship  will  be  finished.  If  you  have  as  much  trouble 
and  expense  in  passing  accounts  of  disbursements  for 
her  as  we  have  with  those  for  Louisburg,  you  will  have 
a  bad  time  of  it,  for  I  don 't  find  they  are  a  jot  for- 
warder than  when  first  put  into  the  offices,  though  at  a 
very  considerable  expense  to  us  both,  and  more  must 
follow,  or  that  fortress  will  lie  over  us  and  our  posterity. 
I  will  this  winter  exert  myself  about  it.  I  presume  one 
of  the  consequences  of  giving  up  Cape  Breton  will  be 
the  breaking  the  two  New  England  regiments.  Many 
of  marines  are  already  broke  here,  so  that  the  peace  is 
looked  upon  to  be  well  founded.  God  grant  it  may  be 
advantageous  to  our  country!  Mr.  Green,  I  believe, 
has  been  very  diligent,  and  I  think  has  sent  every  thing 
in  his  power  home  to  facilitate  the  passing  our  accounts. 
What  will  become  of  him,  and  all  the  gentlemen  whose 
dependence  was,  on  Louisburg  being  kept  in  our  posses- 


I  i  i 


1! 


202 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLUM  PEPFERRELL. 


sion  ?  *   I  wish  you  health  and  happiness,  and  I  think  you 

enjoy  more  of  the  latter  than  we  do  here ;  and  that  it 

may  never  be  lessened  to  you  is  the  sincere  wish  of,  my 

good  old  friend, 

Your  most  humble  servant, 

Peter  Warren. 

My  wife  and  Nancy  desire  to  be  kindly  remembered 

to  you.  ..,_,.,    v;-j,„  .. 

Sir  William's  long  practical  education  and  constant 
intercourse  with  all  classes  of  men,  gave  him  a  clear 
perception  and  accurate  judgment  of  character,  and  of 
the  springs  and  motives  of  human  action,  which  no 
doubt  contributed  in  a  great  degree  to  his  success  in 
wielding  so  extensive  an  influence  among  the  people 
at  large.  His  accurate  estimate  of  character  is  observ- 
able in  his  selections  of  intimate  and  confidential  friends. 
With  the  clergy,  far  and  near,  who  were  highly  edu- 
cated and  influential,  he  was  on  the  most  cordial  terms. 
Governors  Belcher  of  Massachusetts  and  Wolcott  of 
Connecticut,  he  loved  and  honored.  Waldo,  his  inti- 
mate associate  in  various  offices  through  life,  was 
among  his  most  confidential  friends.  Meserve,  of  the 
New  Hampshire  regiment,  and  Hill,  of  Berwick,  were 
ever  in  high  favor  with  him,  and  Bradstreet,  the  lieu- 
tenant-colonel of  his  own  regiment  at  the  siege,  he 
omitted  no  opportunity  to  serve  and  promote.  These 
men  were  every  way  worthy  of  his  esteem,  friendship, 
and  confidence.  He  regarded  Bradstreet  as  a  protegd 
of  rare  promise,  and  destined  to  arrive  at  great  dis- 
tinction as  a  military  chieftain,  which  eventually 
proved  true. 

*  Mr.  Green  was  appointed  to  office  in  Halifax  on  the  surrender 
of  Louisburg  to  France. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO.  203 

He  writes  to  him,  December  22, 1748,  acknowledging 
the  receipt  of  several  of  his  letters,  and  adds :  — 

It  very  much  surprised  me  that  you  have  received 
but  one  letter  from  me  the  summer  past.  I  assure 
you  that  I  have  written  several  and  sent  them  to 
Boston  to  be  forwarded,  and  there  is  no  one  can 
take  greater  pleasure  to  hear  from  another  than 
I  do  from  you,  and  to  rejoifce  at  your  prosperity, 
which  I  shall  always  do  all  in  my  power  to  contribute 
to.  I  often  mention  you  to  our  good  friend  Sir  Peter 
Warren.  I  have  no  account  as  yet  of  our  regiment's 
being  disbanded.  Some  think  it  will  be  ordered  to 
Nova  Scotia.  If  so,  and  you  were  to  be  with  me  in 
such  a  post  as  I  wish  you,  I  should  feel  very  indifferent 
about  selling,  but  we  must  leave  all  these  things  to 
Him  that  rules  and  governs  all,  and  makes  peace  or 
war.  I  observe  what  you  write  about  Colonel  Ellison. 
It  is  true  that  when  I  was  last  at  Louisburg,  he  did 
mention  purchasing  my  commission  to  me,  but  never 
offered  me  any  sum,  neither  did  I  ever  ask  him.  If  the 
regiment  should  be  disbanded  I  doubt  not  there  will  be 
half-pay ;  and  if  liberty  could  be  obtained  for  the  dis- 
posal, I  would  rather  sell  and  should  prefer  to  be  quite 
clear  of  pay  and  all. 

Whgt  you  write  about  your  being  pleased  that  I 
came  off  so  well  in  England  respecting  money  affairs, 
I  am  too  well  acquainted  with  you  to  doubt  of  your 
being  sincere  in,  and  I  hope  I  shall  never  desire  any 
thing  but  what  is  right  and  just.  I  sincerely  wish  you 
and  yours  the  best  of  blessings,  and  shall  always  rejoice 
at  an  opportunity  to  serve  you.  My  wife  and  son  send 
their  best  respects  to  yourself  and  lady,  etc. 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  your  faithful  and  most  obedient 
humble  servant,  "W.  P. 


■11 


m 
m 

r 

Mil 

mi 


IH 


204 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


Sir  William  was  confined  with  rheumatism  during 
February  and  March,  1749.  He  writes  to  General 
Waldo,  March  29,  thanking  him  for  the  friendly  concern 
shown  for  his  recovery,  and  says, "  through  God's  mercy 
I  am  now  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  able  to  walk  cut  of 

doors." "I  now  find  there  are  orders 

sent  to  Louisburg  for  the  disbanding  of  Colonel  Shir- 
ley's and  my  regiments,  which  is  no  more  than  I  ex- 
pected." 

Governor  Hopson  notifies  him  of  the  disbanding  of 
the  regiment  forthwith,  on  the  arrival  of  transports  to 
remove  them,  and  urges  him  in  friendly  terms  to  send 
money  to  enable  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  to  pay  their  debts  before  embarking.  He 
replies :  "  I  have  always  been  fond  of  your  opinion,  and 
shall  endeavor  to  follow  it.  My  design  was  to  wait  on 
your  Excellency  by  this  conveyance,  but  considering 
that  the  regiment  is  disbanded  and  that  you  daily 
expect  the  French  there  to  retake  possession, 
17*1/'  and  as  his  Majesty's  ship  America  is  this  day  to 
be  launched,  and  as  I  have  had  directions  from 
the  Right  Honorable  the  Lords  Commissioners  of  the 
Admiralty  to  assist  in  completing  the  ship,  etc.,  you 
will  be  pleased  to  excuse  me ;  but  it  will  give  me  a 
vast  pleasure  to  wait  on  your  Excellency  here.  In 
respect  to  supply  of  money  I  now  send  to  Colonel 
Mercer  one  thousand  four  hundred  and  twenty  heavy 
dollars  which  I  have  found  very  scarce  and  with  great 
difficulty  to  be  had,  and  very  dear,  costing  fifty,  fifty- 
one,  and  fifty-two  shillings  each  in  our  currency.  If 
Colonel  Mercer  had  drawn  on  me,  it  would  have  been  a 
saving  to  the  crown.  If  your  Excellency  should  order 
away  the  transports  with  soldiers  belonging  to  these 
parts,  the  same  conveyance  might  bring  what  things  I 


/ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


205 


have  at  Louisburg  to  this  port,  which  would  lay  me 
under  new  obligations  tc  you,"  etc.,  etc. 


'  [To  Governor  .^lurley.] 

Kittery,  Juli/  10,  1749. 

Sir,  —  The  inclosed  is  a  petition  that  came  to  me 
from  the  poor  condemned  prisoner  in  York  goal  (jail) 
which  he  desired  me  to  forward  to  your  Excellency.  I 
am  afraid  he  is  not  prepared  to  die,  but  as  you  are  wise 
and  merciful  and  know  the  worth  of  souls,  I  shall  be 
silent.  '  • 

I  should  be  glad  of  the  form  of  your  Excellency 'e( 
recruiting  accounts.  As  I  have  advanced  several  thou- 
sand pounds  of  my  own  money,  I  want  to  have  mine 
finished.  W.  P. 

''    v,  [Answer.] 

Boston,  July  17,  1749. 

Sir, — I  am  favored  with  yours  by  last  post,  inclosing 
Dearing's  petition;  and  have  thereupon   ordered  the 

secretary  to  make  out  a  reprieve  for  him  to  the of 

September, ,  which  I  hope  he  will  improve,  to  pre- 
pare himself  for  a  better  death,  than  I  fear  from  the 
heinous,  unnatural  offence  for  which  he  is  condemned, 
his  life  has  been.  However,  I  shall  pay  so  much 
further  regard  to  his  petition,  since  he  there  insinuates 
that  the  court  and  jury  were  deceived  by  the  evidence 
produced  against  him,  as  to  inquire  into  the  circum- 
stances of  it  from  the  judges. 

As  to  the  recruiting  accounts.  Sir  William,  I  hope 
you  will  continue  to  be  of  opinion  that  our  agreeing  in 
every  circumstance  of  our  settling  them  for  our  respec- 
tive regiments,  is  absolutely  necessary  towards  our  pro- 
curing their  allowance  without  difficulty,  which  is  a 

18 


■  i 


■■•'!>SS 


11 


if::'- 


Iff; ?(     ! 

Ml 


206 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


matter  that  most  highly  concerns  us  not  only  in  point 
of  interest  but  reputation;  the  latter  of  which,  as  it 
has  already  been  assailed  most  ungratefully  and  dis- 
honorably by  our  subalterns,  I  think  we  have  sufficient 
notice  given  us  to  guard  against  them  and  all  others  in 
this  most  material  point  —  and  I  hope,  therefore,  you 
will  not  think  this  can  be  done  without  a  mutual  con- 
sultation and  advisement  with  each  other  in  every  point, 
that  we  may  conform  and  settle  the  accounts  in  the 
best  manner,  which  cannot  possibly  be  done  without 
an  interview  of  two  or  three  days ;  and  I  hope  you  will 
not  fail  to  do  me  the  favor  to  let  me  see  you  at  Boston 
to-morrow  —  come  in  a  fortnight  at  furthest,  which  is  the 
day  before  the  assembly  meets,  by  which  time  I  shall 
be  ready  for  you  with  all  my  accouiits  prepared. 

Since  my  seeing  you,  I  have  obtained  the  king's 
leave  to  absent  myself  from  my  government  for  a  year 
from  the  10th  of  last  April,  which  I  am  determined  to 
embrace  this  fall.     Hope  I  shall  see  you  on  August  1st. 

Yours,  etc., 

William  Shirley. 


[Reply  of  Sir  William.] 

Ju/y  21,  1749. 

Your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  17th  instant  I  received, 
and  likewise  Bearing's  reprieve  which  I  shall  send  to 
the  sheriff.  As  to  the  recruiting  accounts,  I  have  no 
thoughts  of  doing  any  thing  with  them  without  consult- 
ing yourself.  I  shall  endeavor  to  be  in  Boston  at  the 
time  you  mention.  Wishing  you  and  yours  the  best 
of  heaven's  blessings,  I  am,  etc.,  etc., 

W.  P. 


AFTER  TUB  COX%._^ST    OF  U    ISBURG. 


[From  Sir  Peter  Warren.] 

Portsmouth,  AiKjmi  13,  1749 

"  I  would  not,  by  any  means,  though  much  hurried, 
omit  assuring  you  of  the  perfect  regard  I  have  for  you. 

This  conveyance  carries  the  money  voted  by  parlia- 
ment for  reimbursing  your  Province,  and  I  hope  sincerely 
that  it  will  have  a  good  effect,  by  establishing  and  keep- 
ing a  silver  medium  of  trade  among  you.  I  have  ex- 
erted myself  in  every  necessary  shape  to  get  the  money 
away  to  you." 

William  Bollen,  who  married  a  daughter  of  Governor 
Shirley,  was  sent  to  England  to  solicit  reimbursement 
of  Louisburg  expenses,  which,  with  the  joint  agency  of 
Commodore  Warren,  was  obtained,  after  three  years' 
toilsome  and  anxious  service,  and  amounted  to  the  sum 
of  £  183,649  sterling,  or  ^800,000.  It  arrived  in  the  shape 
of  six  hundred  and  fifty-three  thousand  ounces  of  silver, 
and  ten  tons  of  copper.  "  The  money  was  landed  on 
Long  Wharf,  placed  in  wagons,  and  carried  through  the 
streets  with  much  rejoicing,  and  was  divided  between 
the  four  New  England  colonies,  New  Hampshire,  Mas- 
sachusetts, Rhode  Island,  and  Connecticut,  Massachu- 
setts, including  Maine,  receiving  most  of  it.  New 
Hampshire  being  entitled  to  about  ^16,000."  The  paper 
currency  of  Massachusetts,  previously  reduced  to  the 
rate  of  seven  to  eight  for  one  in  silver,  was  now 
redeemed  at  a  rate  about  one  fifth  less  than  the  current 
value. 

It  was  the  opinion  of  both  Shirley  and  Pepperrell,  that 
the  New  England  vessels  of  war  which  were  at  Louis- 
burg when  the  rich  prizes  were  captured,  were  entitled 
to  a  share  of  the  prize  money  equally  with  Warren's 


n 


>-i3i 


m 


208 


UFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPEKRELL. 


ships.    But  little  or  nothing  was  ever  received.    Shirley 
writes  to  Pepperrell  on  the  subject:  — 

I  wish  you  joy  of  the  delivery  of  the  Prov- 
^W4»^*  inces'  money  to  Sir  Peter  Warren  and  agent 
Bollen,  and  desire  you  would  let  me  know  by 
the  return  of  the  post,  whether  you  sent  any  power  to 
Mr.  Bollen  to  claim  a  share  of  the  South-sea-man 
which  was  taken  by  the  Chester,  and  others  of  the 
king's  ships  and  Fletcher,  as  you  proposed  to  me 
to  do  upon  my  mentioning  it  to  you  frequently  at 
Louisburg,  and  whether  if  you  did,  it  ever  reached 
Mr.  Bollen. 

I  hope  this  will  find  your  family  and  self  perfectly 
well,  who  will  ever  have  my  best  wishes  for  their  health 
and  happiness.  W.  Shirley. 

[To  Peter  Kenwood,  his  merchant  in  England.] 

Piscataqua,  August  29,  1749. 

Sir,  —  Your  favor  of  3d  of  March  and  11th  of  April 
last  I  received. 

Louisburg  is  delivered  up  to  the  French,  and  the 
English  are  settling  Chebucto  (Halifax)  on  Nova  Scotia 
side,  and  I  hear  they  go  on  bravely.  I  hope  it  will  make 
a  fine  colony  of  Protestants  and  good  subjects.  Land 
is  good,  and  mast  timber  abundant.  I  have  no  thoughts 
of  eniering  again  into  trade.  As  my  son  Andrew  Pep- 
perrell is  in  trade,  you  may  recommend  any  of  your 
friends  to  him ;  I  will  be  bound  for  him. 

My  regiment  is  disbanded,  and  I  design  to  turn 
farmer.  I  am  sure  I  spent  a  good  part  of  my  estate  in 
the  reduction  of  Louisburg.  I  am  obliged  to  you  for 
your  wish  that  I  might  be  governor,  but  you  know  I  am 


/■ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURO. 


209 


a  wes-countryman,  (meaning  Wales,)  and  they  di^4like 
to  put  such  men  in  for  governors.  I  should  be  glad  you 
would  make  my  compliments  to  my  nephew*  Frost's 
lady,  and  all  inquiring  friends.  My  wife  and  children 
desire  to  be  remembered  to  you. 

With  much  respect,  W.  P. 

*  Honorable  George  Frost  of  Durham,  M.  C,  the  son  of  Honorable 
John  Frost  of  Newcastle,  who  married  Sir  William'H  sister.  Mr. 
Frost  had  married  in  London,  and  left  his  wife  there. 


T  '• 


18 


.»'.•. 


.*Vl,;'"i 


\.'} 


ij 

Ml 


I  *.  It 


210 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


El 


CHAPTER  X. 


,\: 


The  Province  of  New  Hampshire  was  annexed  to 
Massachusetts  in  1641,  and  continued  so,  under  one 
governor.  Belcher  was  the  last  appointed  over  the  two 
provinces,  each  of  which  had  a  lieutenant-governor.  In 
1741  the  provinces  were  separated,  Shirley  being  ap- 
pointed governor  of  Massachusetts,  and  Benning  Went- 
worth,  of  New  Hampshire. 

Governor  B.  Wentworth,  son  of  the  former  lieutenant- 
governor,  had  been  engaged  in  trade,  and  became  emi- 
nent as  a  merchant.  He  contracted  with  an  agent  of 
the  Spanish  government  to  supply  it  with  a  large  quan- 
tity of  the  best  oak  timber,  to  the  amount  of  fifty  or 
sixty  thousand  dollars,  and  borrowed  the  money  in  Lon- 
don to  enable  him  to  fulfil  the  contract.  The  timber  was 
delivered,  but  the  Spanish  court  refused  payment,  and 
he  in  vain  sought  redress  there.  On  his  homeward 
voyage  his  ship  foundered,  and  he  with  his  crew  saved 
their  lives  by  taking  to  the  l^oat.  He  at  length  repre- 
sented his  case  to  the  British  Court,  and  solicited  aid  in 
obtaining  redress.  Negotiations  were  commenced,  but 
did  not  succeed,  and  the  war  between  the  two  nations 
destroyed  his  expectations  of  receiving  his  pay.  Mr. 
Wentworth  then,  through  the  assistance  of  his  friend 
Mr.  Thomlinson,  colonial  agent,  applied  for  the  govern- 
ment of  New  Hampshire,  and  obtained  it.  Having 
received  his  commission,  he  embarked  for  this  country, 


X 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


211 


and  arrived  in  Portsmouth  the  12th  of  December,  amidst 
the  acclamations  of  a  large  concourse  of  people,  who 
had  assembled  to  welcome  him  as  governor. 

While  in  Spain  and  England  he  corresponded  with 
Pepperrell  and  acted  sometimes  as  his  mercantile  agent. 
He  afterwards,  as  we  have  seen,  cooperated  with  Shir- 
ley and  Pepperrell  in  forwarding  the  expedition  against 
Louisburg,  and  aided  the  latter  in  his  contract  for  build- 
ing a  forty-four  gun  ship  for  the  crown. 

Wentworth  had  created  disaffection  in  his  province 
by  sending  writs  to  new  towns  set  off  from  Massachu- 
setts for  the  choice  of  representatives.  These  were  ex- 
cluded from  the  legislature  by  the  other  representatives 
from  the  old  towns.  The  British  court  instructed  him 
to  dissolve  the  assembly  and  call  a  new  one,  and  to  send 
writs  to  those  towns  again,  whose  representatives  had 
been  excluded,  and  to  protect  them  in  their  legislative 
privileges.  The  assembly,  notwithstanding,  excluded 
them  again,  and  arrayed  themselves  against  the  gov- 
ernor in  other  measures,  so  as  quite  to  obstruct  legisla- 
tion and  injure  the  public  interest.  They  petitioned 
the  king  for  Wentworth's  removal,  and  requested  Sir 
William  to  use  his  influence  at  court  to  obtain  the 
office.  The  petition  was  seiit  to  Mr.  Thomlinson, 
provincial  agent  in  London  for  New  Hampshire,  who 
advised  not  to  present  it,  for  the  reason  that  the  gov- 
ernor had  followed  the  kiijg's  instructions.  Pepperrell, 
in  reply  to  their  request,  botjj  before  and  after  he  sailed, 
was  strictly  non-committaj,  though  very  civil.  The 
office  would  doubtless  have  been  very  acceptable  to 
him,  but  in  spite  of  the  importunities  of  his  son  Spar- 
hawk,  which  will  appear  presently,  he  probably  felt 
unwilling  to  supplant  Governor  Wentworth. 

Sir  William  embarked  for  London  late  in  September, 


m 
i 


:1  \  W 


\m 


212 


LIFE  OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


1749,  and  about  the  same  time  sailed  Governor  Shirley, 
who,  with  M.  Galissoni^re,  governor  of  Canada,  were 
appointed,  by  their  respective  governments,  commis- 
sioners to  settle  the  disputed  boundary  line  between  the 
French  and  English  in  Nova  Scotia.  General  Waldo 
also  sailed  soon  after  Pepperrell  with  his  two  sons 
Frank  and  Ralph,  the  former  to  be  educated  in  Paris, 
and  the  latter  to  remain  with  him  in  London,  where 
the  general  expected  to  be  detained  some  time  in  set- 
tling private  claims,  and  probably  in  soliciting  favor 
from  the  court.  On  Sir  William's  arrival  he  was  cor- 
dially received  and  entertained  during  his  stay  at  the 
house  of  his  friend  and  agent,  both  mercantile  and 
military,  Mr.  Kilby,  at  Spring  Gardens.  His  old  com- 
panion in  arms,  Sir  Peter  Warren,  residing  at  West- 
bury,  soon  made  his  appearance  in  London  to  welcome 
his  arrival.  Both  he  and  General  Waldo  were  received 
also  at  Mr.  Kilby's,  and  had  a  favorable  opportunity  to 
review  former  scenes  at  Louisburg.  They  were  soon 
presented  at  court,  where  King  George  II.  gave  Sir 
William  a  cordial  reception,  and  bestowed  high  enco- 
miums on  his  services  at  the  siege.  On  expressing  a 
desire  to  render  him  some  service,  Sir  William  replied 
that  protection  to  the  fisheries,  in  which  he  was  employ- 
ing many  hundred  of  his  Majesty's  dutiful  subjects, 
was  the  chief  favor  he  had  to  solicit.  The  Prince  of 
Wales  sought  frequent  interviews  for  conversation,  and 
bestowed  upon  him  many  civilities,  as  did  Lord  Halifax 
and  other  noblemen.  The  mayor  of  London  waited 
on  him,  and  caused  a  service  of  plate  to  be  raised  and 
presented  as  a  token  of  respect  for  his  military  services. 
He  was  invited  to  see  the  public  institutions  of  the  city 
by  their  respective  governors,  and  was  made  a  guest  at 
the  tables  of  the  nobility,  while  the  impression  occa- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


213 


sioned  by  the  victory  at  Louisburg  made  him  an  object 
of  universal  interest  everywhere  among  the  people. 

He  remained  in  London  until  the  close  of  the  follow- 
ing summer,  frequently  receiving  letters  from  home.  It 
is  believed  that  none  of  these  are  preserved,  excepting 
some  from  his  son-in-law  Colonel  Sparhawk,  extracts 
of  which  will  be  introduced,  in  order  to  give  some  idea 
of  what  was  passing  at  home. 

SSas  Hooper,  his  old  commercial  agent  in  Plymouth, 
addressed  him  a  complimentary  letter  on  his  past 
services,  and  inquires  what  are  his  future  plans  in 
respect  to  trade,  to  which  he  replies :  — 

I  am  sensible  that  the  brave  men  raised  in  three  of 
the  colonies  in  New  England,  all  of  whom  I  had  the 
honor  to  command,  were  the  means  of  the  reduction  of 
Cape  Breton,  and  several  gentlemen  have  mentioned  to 
me,  as  you  are  pleased  to  write,  that  this  victory  has 
produced  us  a  peace ;  may  it  be  good  and  lasting.  As 
to  past  services,  they  are  often  forgotten,  and  as  I  am  a 
disbanded  officer,  I  design  soon  to  return  to  New  Eng- 
land; but  as  to  entering  into  trade,  I  have  no  thoughts 
of  it.  My  son,  Andrew  Pepperrell,  a  merchant  in  Pas- 
cataqua,  is  in  my  former  business;  I  have  likewise  a 
son-in-law,  Nathaniel  Sparhawk,  Esquire,  a  merchant 
there,  to  whom  I  will  mention  your  house. 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  congratulation  on  my 
safe  arrival  in  London.  Yours  of  the  19th  of  August 
last  I  have  not  had  the  pleasure  to  receive.  The  kind 
present  you  mention,  should  it  never  come  to  hand,  m;^ 
obligations  to  you  for  it  are  none  the  less,  and  for  which 
you  will  please  to  accept  my  hearty  thanks. 

Ever  happy  to  serve  you,  I  am,  with  great  esteem, 
Sir,  your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

W.  P. 


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fr 


r    I 


rk 


'\i 


i' 


t 


ii 


iil 


214 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


[Extracts  from  letters  written  to  Sir  William  from  Nathaniel  Sparhawk, 
Esquire,  soon  after  Sir  William  sailed.] 

Kitteiy,  September  24,  1749. 

Honored  and  dear  Sir,  —  I  hope  this  will  find  you 
(through  the  great  goodnessi  of  God  to  you  and  your 
family)  safe  arrived  at  London,  and  that  you  will  have 
found  favor  with  the  king  and  his  ministry,  and  a  kind 
reception  from  mankind  in  general,  but  especially  with 
all  you  may  be  more  immediately  concerned,  and  that 
you  will  always  enjoy  the  kind  influences  of  heaven  to 
preserve  your  life  and  health,  to  assist,  direct,  and  to 
succeed  you  in  all  your  laudable  undertakings,  both 
public  and  private.  There  has  little  occurred  since  you 
left  New  England  that  I  think  it  material  to  advise  you 
of.  What  relates  to  the  public,  Brigadier-General 
Waldo  will  easily  recollect  when  you  meet.  As  to 
your  private  affairs,  my  brother,  to  whom  I  conclude 
you  have  committed  the  care  of  them,  will  doubtless 
communicate  to  you  what  may  be  needful. 

I  have,  a  day  or  two  past,  had  a  conversation  with 
Mr.  Odiorne  of  Portsmouth,  and  he  tells  me  that  it  is 
proposed  by  him  and  some  other  of  your  friends,  that 
ail  the  leading  people,  a  certain  family  only  excepted, 
(referring  to  the  Wentworths,)  in  the  province  of  New 
Hampshire,  should  sign  a  letter  to  you  praying  that 
you  will  use  your  interest  to  get  the  government.  .  . 
Such  is  the  unhappy  state  of  that  people,  and  such  is 
the  dislike  of  the  great  family  to  you  and  yours,  which 
is  increased  now  to  a  degree  that  denominates  them 
our  proper  enemies ;  that  I  should  imagine,  all  things 
considered,  that  nothing  would  be  wanting  to  push 
your  interests  to  the  utmost  if  need  be,  to  obtain  the 
government.     Mr.  Odiorne  tells  me  they  (the  Went- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


215 


worths)  were  exceedingly  shocked  at  your  sudden  de- 
parture, and  that  it  is  evident  they  have  the  greatest 
apprehensions  from  your  voyage.  However,  they  can- 
not help  showing  their  teeth,  an  instance  of  which  I 
beg  leave  to  nnention.  The  morning  you  sailed,  it  was 
discovered  that  William  Dearing,  who  was  reprieved 
partly  by  your  intercession  with  Governor  Shirley,  had 
broke  jail,  and  it  was  soon  industriously  reported 
among  your  good  friends  at  Portsmouth,  that  he  was 
doubtless  gone  in  the  mast-ship,  and  that  you  ought  to 
have  the  credit  of  his  escape,  etc.  This  I  think  it  my 
duty  to  tell  you ;  but  inasmuch  as  this  and  many  other 
things  plainly  show  how  we  should  be  treated,  if  in  the 
power  of  some,  it  would  lead  almost  any  man  to 
endeavor  to  get  as  far  removed  from  it  as  possible,  to 
unhorse  them  at  least,  if  he  did  n't  himself  take  their 
place.  But  I  would  not  trouble  you  further  on  this 
subject  at  present. 

I  would  take  leave  to  pray  your  remembrance  of  me, 
as  a  branch  of  your  family,  in  respect  of  any  business 
you  may  be  able  to  influence  the  negotiation  of  in  rela- 
tion to  New  England,  and  I  make  no  doubt  that  as 
there  is  not  the  least  prospect  of  any  masts  being  got  in 
the  contract  this  winter,  you  might,  for  a  price  little  less 
than  what  is  given  in  England,  take  an  order  from  the 
commissioners  of  the  navy  to  procure  a  number  of 
ship  loads  on  the  king's  account,  to  be  delivered  here  to 
the  king's  ships,  which  might  call  for  them  as  they  go 
home  yearly  from  Virginia,  the  West  Indies,  Chebucto, 
etc.,  and  be  little  or  no  expense  to  the  crown,  whereas 
the  freight  they  pay  to  the  contractors  is  very  considera- 
ble.    Besides,  if  the  Board  of  Ordnance  knew  that  the 

Messrs.  A p  and  H k  had  no  share  in  the 

expedition  to  Louisburg,  and  have  got  more  money  by 


u.  ^^ 


■  Ai-u, 


m- 


216 


LIFE   OP  SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPEREELL. 


P 


it,  than  anybody  else,  that  was  upon  it,  it  might  be 
thought  reasonable  that  your  family  should  have  the 
supply  of  Chebucto  (Halifax)  and  Newfoundland, 
rather  than  they. 

But  beside  these  public  things,  there  will  be  great 
opportunities  of  your  recommending  private  gentlemen 
that  may  want  ships,  fish,  etc. ;  I  say,  Sir,  that  a  share 
of  your  notice  on  these  occasions  I  should  esteem  as  a 
token  of  your  parental  regard  and  affection  for  your 
family,  which  you  must  be  sensible  is  large  and  expen- 
sive; nor  have  you  any  reason,  I  hope,  to  question, 
from  seven  years'  experience  of  my  conduct,  my 
answering  your  recommendations  of  me,  or  my  making 
a  good  use  of  any  advantages  that  mighv  accrue  to  me 
through  your  influence,  to  which  I  shall  only  add,  that 
you  may  always  be  sure  of  my  most  grateful  returns, 
and  that,  as  my  partnership  will  soon  be  closed,  no 
stranger  can  reap  any  benefit  with  me,  but  that  all  the 
eft'ects  of  your  goodness  to  me  will  centre  in  the  happi- 
ness of  my  own  family." 


At  a  subsequent  date  he  says :  — 


Mr.  Odiorne  and  several  other  of  your  friends  have, 
on  behalf  of  a  great  number  of  the  most  influential 
people  in  New  Hampshire,  formed  an  address  to  you, 
which  they  were  so  good  as  to  send  me  a  copy  of, 
wherein  they  have  earnestly  entreated  you  to"  accept  of 
the  government  of  that  province,  and  it  is  very  likely  by 
this  opportunity  you  will  receive  the  same  signed  by  a 
very  large  numb.i  of  gentlemen,  beside  many  private 
letters  on  the  same  occasion ;  and  I  beg  you  will  excuse 
me  if  I  say,  that  seeing  your  family  is  situated  in  trade 
so  near  that  government,  and  those  in  power  there  at 


/ 


V 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


217 


present  are  far  from  being  well  disposed  to  us  and  our 
interests,  and  considering,  too,  what  a  vast  public  bless- 
ing you  might  be  to  the  interest  of  the  dissenting  church, 
which  receives  no  encouragement  from  the  present  ad- 
ministration, and  also  to  the  civil  interests  of  that  people, 
I  say.  Sir,  that,  inasmuch  as  so  many  advantages,  public 
and  private,  civil  and  religious,  will  be  the  happy  con- 
sequence of  your  accepting  the  commission,  what  in- 
ducement greater  can  you  possibly  have  ?   But  I  submit 
the  matter,  with  a  sincere  petition  to  Heaven  for  an 
event  that  will  contribute  so  much  to  the  happiness  of  a 
great  number  of  his  Majesty's  subjects,  as  well  as  to 
many  of  our  friends,  and  add  vastly  to  my  private  satis- 
faction in  life.     In  case  you  should  have  this  mark  of 
his  Majesty's  favor,  you  may,  I  doubt  not,  for  your 
colonel's  commission  purchase  the  surveyor's  post,  which 
as  your  years  advance,  I  should  think  would  be  a  more 
genteel  and  agreeable  thing  to  you.    Mr:  Colman  and  I 
have  at  last  agreed,  under  hand,  to  part  the  31st  March 
next,  and  we  are  each  of  us  writing  and  soliciting  our 
friends  separately  in  respect  of  business,  and  whatsoever 
is  addressed  to  either  of  us  separately  after  this  our 
agreement,  whether  it  arrives  to  us  before  or  after  the 
31st  March,  is  to  be  for  the  sole  use  and  benefit  of  him 
to  whom  it  is  so  addressed.     Therefore,  if  you  should  be 
so  good  as  to  recommend  any  thing  for  me  in  the  way  of 
trade,  to  any  of  yours  or  my  friends,  I  mast  beg  it  may 
be  in  my  name  only. 

It  is  a  satisfaction  to  me,  that  I  can  inform  you,  that 
when  Mr.  Colman  and  I  shall  part,  we  shall  not  h?  /e  a 
shilling  to  remit  any  of  our  friends,  and  that  we  shall  have,, 
for  young  men,  something  handsome  to  divide.  I  am 
now  writing  several  of  my  friends  for  a  supply  of  goods 
on  my  own  account,  and  if  I  should  determine  to  embark 

19 


t 


if'ij 
i 


■^  ■''•! 


218 


LIFE   OF   PIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


for  London  in  the  spring,  Mr.  Cutt,  who  is  a  very  sober 
man,  and  very  capable  and  honest,  will  have  the  care  of 
my  warehouse  in  my  absence,  in  which  I  shall  think 
myself  safe  and  happy. 

The  death  of  Mrs.  Balston,  much  lamented,  has  had 
an  ill  effect  on  my  mother  Pepperrell's  health  and 
spirits,  together  with  your  absence,  and  I  could  wish,  if 
only  on  her  account,  though  I  have  many  other  motives, 
that  we  could  once  be  so  happy  as  to  hear  of  your  safe 
arrival,  and  your  escape  of  or  recovery  from  the  small- 
pox, and  that  there  was  a  prospect  of  your  speedy  return 
to  us.  In  the  mean  time,  I  believe  you  may  depend 
that  nothing  in  the  power  of  any  of  us  will  be  wanting 
to  alleviate  her  grief  and  promote  her  comfort  and  hap- 
piness. I  have  the  pleasure  now  to  acquaint  you  that 
she  is  with  us  on  a  kind  visit.  Mrs.  Sparhawk  did  her- 
self the  honor  of  writing  you  from  Boston. 

Again  he  writes  :  "  The  New  Hampshire 
^'^''i^^^^' adfdress  to  you  I  hope  will  prevail  on  you  to 
relieve  th?it  distressed  people.  I  did  not  hint  to 
you  that  you  will  not  be  safe  in  trusting  Mr.  Thomlin- 
son  with  any  of  your  schemes,  as  whatever  may  be  pre- 
tended, he  is  certainly  in  an  opposite  interest.  It  is 
reported  here  that  the  late  province  of  Maine  is  likely 
to  be  a  separate  government,  and  that  you  are  to  have 
a  commission  for  it,  but  this  is  credited  but  by  few.  It 
is  generally  hoped  and  wished  that  you  may  have  New 
Hampshire,  by  some,  Massachusetts.  But  all  things 
considered,  especially  how  much  more  difficult  the 
administration  would  be  at  Boston  than  at  New 
Hampshire;  the  situation  of  your  family  and  estate, 
I  should  think  the  latter  much  more  eligible.  The 
surveyor's  post  will  be  to  be  purchased,  and  I  should 
think  it  well  worth  your  notice.    If  you  decline  it,  I 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


219 


should  be  glad  of  it  at  twelve  thousand  pounds  sterling, 
one  half  to  be  paid  upon  advice  of  the  purchase,  and 
the  rest  in  six  months  after.  I  mean  the  surveyorship 
c*"  the  woods. 

"  Our  parish  have  passed  a  vote  for  a  division,  which 
is  to  be  made  equally  as  to  quantity  and  quality  of  soil. 
Mr.  Stevens  will  be  settled  with  us.  You  may  remem' 
ber  you  have  proposed  that  Tate  and  Brady's  version 
should  be  used  in  our  church,  and  in  order  to  it  that 
you  would  give  a  number  of  them  to  the  congregation  ; 
this  I  thought  I  would  hint  to  you,  and  that  if  you 
would  bring  Mr.  Stevens  a  handsome  preaching  Bible, 
it  would  be  very  acceptable  to  him.  The  cones  of  pine 
for  Lord  Edgecomb  are  provided,  and  shall  be  sent. 

"  The  love  affair  between  Andrew  Pepperrell  and 
Miss  Waldo,  now  of  four  years'  duration,  is  still  pend- 
ing, much  to  the  annoyance  of  both  families  as  well  as 
trying  to  the  patience  of  the  young  lady." 

Stephen  Minot,  a  merchant  of  Boston  and  a  relative 
of  Waldo,  writes  to   Andrew  :  "  I  hope,  my 
friend,  it  will  not  be  long  before  we  have  the     ^"'i^^' 

.  "^  1750. 

pleasure  of  seeing  you  in  town  to  disappoint 
the  enemies  as  well  as  to  complete  the  approaching 
pleasure  which  you  have  in  view,  in  enjoying  the 
society  of  so  charming  and  desirable  a  lady  as  is  Miss 
Hannah.  I  beg  leave  only  to  add,  that  could  you  be 
fully  acquainted  with  the  steady  and  proper  behavior  in 
your  long  absence  (amid  the  ill-natured  queries  of  the 
world  with  respect  to  each  of  you)  it  would  ever 
heighten  your  affections  for  her,  and  endear  her  to  you 
as  it  has  done  to  me,  and  all  her  relations  and  friends 
here.  I  really  wish  each  of  you,  as  I  believe  you  will 
be,  happy,  if  it  shall  please  God  to  bring  you  gether 
in  the  matrimonial  state." 


I 


i 

■ill: 


■'■'    \ 

Oh 


it:] 


" 


i   p' 


1 

: 


I; 


! 


220 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


The  following  comical  letter,  though  unworthy  of  a 
place  in  sober  biography,  may  serve  as  an  interlude  to 
some  readers  who  are  wearied  with  the  foregoing  dry 
narrative  of  incidents  in  Sir  William's  career ;  and  its 
insertion  is  perhaps  excusable  as  shedding  light  upon 
the  customs  and  fashions  prevailing  a  century  ago,  and 
upon  the  convivial  turn  of  some  branches  of  Sir  Wil- 
liam's family.  William  Tyler,  the  writer,  was  his 
nephew,  and  a  clerk  in  his  father's  store  in  Boston. 
Joel  Whittemore,  another  nephew,  and  a  lieutenant  on 
half-pay  living  at  Kittery  Point;  and  the  recipient  of  the 
letter,  was  the  son  of  Sir  William.  We  may  imagine 
the  appearance  of  these  dashing  blades  in  cocked  hats, 
laced  waistcoats,  and  powdered  wigs.  The  lady  alluded 
to,  was  Miss  Hannah  Waldo  to  whom  young  Pepper- 
rell  had  been  three  or  four  years  engaged. 


-■•>- 


■f-f  'ti '  I ' 


[To  Andrew  Pepperrell,  Esquire,  Kittcrj  Point.] 

t  '  Boston,  August  14, 1750. 

Sir  Andrew,  —  Per  post  I'm  informed  you  are  well, 
which  gives  me  a  dish  of  pleasure.  I  hope  honest  Joel 
got  home  safe  after  his  secret  expedition  here  to  Boston, 
for  he  was  plotting  something,  and  I  am  afraid  it  is 
against  ye  State  or  y®  Church,  therefore,  as  you  are  one 
of  his  Majesty's  justices  of  the  peace,  make  no  doubt 
but  you  will  strictly  inquire  into  the  affair.  So  I  would 
inform  your  Honor  that  which  he  did  in  Boston,  from 
his  first  arrival  to  his  departure.  May  it  please  your 
Honor  what  I  write  is  the  truth,  and  if  your  Honor 
desire,  I'll  swear  to  it 

Joel  Whittemore  arrived  here  at  ha?f  after  one.  Ate 
a  good  dinner  of  salt-fish,  drank  good  punch,  but  poor 
cyder.     Then  smoked  a  pipe,  came  into  the  shop  and 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


221 


never  was  out  of  my  sight  the  whole  afternoon  (here 's 
plotting).  Saturday  evening  after  the  shop  was  shut 
we  sat  down  together  and  drank  the  health  of  the  night, 
talked  of  you  and  the  rest  of  our  Kittery  friends.  Then 
smoaked  another  pipe,  drank  another  bowl  of  punch,  and 
at  eleven  he  and  I  went  to  bed,  and  he  never  rose  till 
ten  o'clock  Sunday  morning.  At  half  after  ten  drank 
coffee,  ate  toast  and  butter,  and  then  everybody  being  at 
meeting  and  all  silent,  we  talked  about  keeping  chariots, 
and  he  burst  out  all  at  once  with  these  traitorous  words, 
namely,  "if  I  had  but  one  half  of  Sir  William's  money," 
says  he,  "  I  should  live  like  a  king."  This  makes  me 
think  he  has  some  designs  upon  your  honor.  But  to 
go  on,  —  I  took  the  Church  Prayerbook,  which  I  had 
not  looked  in  for  six  months  before,  and  I  read  him 
over  the  service  of  the  forenoon,  and  I  played  upon  the 
organ,  and  he  said  Amen.  There 's  treason.  This 
makes  me  think  he  wants  to  have  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land established  at  the  Point.  I  hope  your  Honor  takes 
notice ;  when  the  service  was  over  we  had  some  punch 
and  ate  our  dinner.  In  the  afternoon  we  went  to 
church,  and  my  pew  being  full  I  sat  next  to  Mr.  Waldo's^ 
and  then  he  sat  and  stood  looking  first  this  way  and 
then  that  way  to  find  out  Miss  Hannah.  Then  he 
beckoned  to  me  to  point  out  where  she  sat,  and  I  would 
not  take  any  notice  but  laugh.  The  people  thought 
that  the  man  was  crazy.  Now  Miss  Hannah  wa'nt  at 
meeting,  and  I  wondered  what  the  plague  he  would 
have  me  point  to.  Church  being  over,  we  came  home 
and  passed  the  afternoon  and  evening,  went  to  bed  at 
eleven  or  twelve.  He  rose  at  seven,  breakfasted,  stayed 
at  home  all  day,  and  so  did  all  the  week  just  as  Satur- 
day and  Sunday,  setting  aside  going  to  church,  and  the 

19* 


'i  \ 


''1! 


t  ' 

(A 


'Mi 

;'i  ■' 

'Am 


1  li 


222 


LIFE  OF  BIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


forenoon  service.    Now,  Mr.  Justice,  is  not  this  some- 
thing extraordinary  ? 

Your  loving  kinsman, 

William  Tyler. 
P.  S.  His  wig  was  powdered  to  the  life. 

Mr.  Sparhawk  writes  from  Boston,  September  11, 
1750,  to  Andrew :  "  I  arrived  last  evening ;  have  not 
had  time  to  deliver  your  letter,  or  to  see  your  lady.  Let 
me  take  the  liberty  to  inform  you  that  the  country, 
especially  the  more  worthy  and  better  part  of  it,  are 
very  much  alarmed  at,  and  appear  quite  exasperated 
with  your  conduct  relating  to  your  amour,  and  your 
friends  and  those  that  are  much  attached  to  your  father 
and  family,  are  greatly  concerned  about  you,  being  fully 
of  opinion  that  if  the  matter  drops  through  and  you 
lie  justly  under  the  imputation  of  it,  that  your  charac- 
ter is  irretrievably  lost.  I  am  sorry  to  say  so  much,  but 
a  tender  concern  for  you  obliges  me.  You  can't  im- 
agine how  I  was  attacked  in  a  large  company  of  gen- 
tlemen and  ladies  at  Salem,  where  I  was  invited  to 
spend  the  evening  on  Sunday;  and  what  you  may  im- 
agine will  pass  still  for  a  justification  of  your  conduct, 
that  you  'intend  nothing  but  honor  in  the  case,  and 
will  be  along  soon '  is  perfectly  ridiculed.  I  find  you 
must  be  published  again  if  you  marry  in  this  province, 
and  if  you  intend  ever  to  marry  the  lady,  my  advice  to 
you  is,  by  all  nMeans  to  be  republished  and  to  finish  the 
matter  at  once,  unless  you  can  prevail  on  the  lady  to 
meet  you  at  Ipswich,  and  from  there  proceed  to  Hamp- 
ton, which  is  very  much  questioned,  though  when  I 
know  your  intentions  it  may  be  attempted,  if  there  is 
occasion,  from  your  ascertaining  the  lady's  mind  and 


AFTER  TIIB  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


233 


her  friend's,  that  you  will  be  quite  punctual,  and  agree 
to  the  arrangement  in  case  she  is  good  enough  to  com- 
ply. But  I  cannot  add  further  than  that  I  feel  a  real 
concern  for  your  welfare  and  the  support  of  your 
honor." 

Very  little  is  preserved  in  writing  to  show  how  Sir 
William  passed  his  time  in  London  ;  most  of  his  letters 
to  his  family  being  destroyed.  Having  concluded  to 
return  home,  he  writes  to  Sir  Peter  Warren  from  Spring 
Gardens,  as  follows :  —       i 

July  31.  —  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving 
your  favor  of  the  28th  instant,  and  am  greatly  obliged 
to  you  for  your  kind  invitation  to  Westbury,  and  for 
the  expression  that  you  hoped  I  had  finished  my 
business  to  my  satisfaction. 

I  have  finished  nothing  more  than  when  you  left 
London.  As  I  am  sure  no  man  can  be  happy  while 
absent  from  an  agreeable  family,  which  is  my  case, 
I  have  taken  my  passage  in  a  schooner  of  my  son's, 
and  did  design  to  go  on  board  in  a  day  or  two,  but  as 
I  wish  to  mention  something  to  you  before  I  leave 
England,  I  shall  order  her  to  Portsmouth,  and  design 
to  take  a  post-chaise,  and  in  my  way  to  wait  on  your- 
self. Your  kind  offer  of  service,  has  laid  me  under 
new  obligations,  and  I  know  what  you  say  comes  from 
a  sincere  heart. 

My  best  respects  to  yourself,  lady,  and  your  dear 
little  olive  branches.  I  sincerely  wish  you  all  the  best 
of  blessings,  and  if  it  sliould  ever  be  in  my  power  to 
serve  any  branch  of  your  valuable  family,  it  will  give 
me  pleasure  to  do  it. 

Your  faithful  and  most  obedient  W.  P. 


;ii 


)  '  i 

m 

,  ji  ,1 

9H 

nffl 

w. 

n 

;•  n 


M 


5 '      il 


r-,, 


i 


111- 


i; 


li; 


'f  i 


224 


LIFE  OF  SIB  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


On  his  return  to  Kittery,  Sir  William  writes  to  the 
honorable  Josiah  Willard,  of  Boston :  — 

October  19.  — "  On  the  9th  instant  I  arrived  here, 
being  fifty-seven  days  from  London.  Sir  Peter  Warren 
has  sent  under  my  care,  by  the  vessel  I  came  in,  two 
large  black  horses,  for  Massachusetts.  I  understand 
by  him,  that  the  sum  paid  for  them  was  part  of  what 
he  drew  out  with  Mr.  BoUen,  the  agent,  as  commis- 
sions on  the  money  received  for  the  Cape  Breton  expe- 
dition, and  which  he  offered  to  make  a  present  of  to  the 
province.  He  told  me  he  should  be  glad  if  the  govern- 
ment would  make  a  present  of  the  remainder  of  the 
commissions,  to  encourage  the  Protestant  School  in 
Ireland. 

"  Sir  Peter  proposed  that  these  horses  should  be  sent 
into  several  parts  of  this  province,  and  that  every  one 
who  profited  by  them  should  pay  the  necessary  expense 
for  their  keeping.  I  think  that  one  third  part  of  the 
forces  that  went  on  the  expedition  to  Louisburg,  were 
enlisted  from  Maine.  I  should  be  glad  if  one  of  the 
horses  might  be  sent  there  for  some  time." 

This  statement  of  the  large  enlistment  for  the  Louis- 
burg expedition  is  repeated  on  several  occasions. 
Maine  won  more  military  fame  in  this  expedition,  in 
proportion  to  her  population,  than  in  any  or  all  other 
succeeding  wars. 

To  Sir  Peter  Warren,  same  day :  "  You  will  excuse 
brevity,  as  I  arrived  here  but  the  9th  instant,  and  have 
had  so  many  visitors,  that  my  house  has  been  much 
crowded,  and  much  of  my  time  taken  up  ever  since. 
The  horses  were  landed  well,  although  we  had  a  very 
troublesome  passage.  I  have  not  yet  been  to  Boston, 
but  design  to  go  next  month. 

"  You  was  pleased  to  say,  when  I  was  last  at  your 


/ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


225 


house,  that  you  would  go  to  the  secretary  of  war  with 
Mr.  Kilby  in  my  behalf.  You  have  made  me  too 
sensible  of  your  readiness  to  do  all  in  your  power  to 
serve  me.  I  only  mention  this  to  you  lest  the  magni- 
tude of  the  affairs  you  are  concerned  in,  should  put  it 
out  of  your  mind.  Your  repeated  favors  have  laid  me 
under  great  obligations ;  and  if  it  should  ever  be  in  my 
power  to  serve  you  or  yours,  it  will  give  me  the  greatest 
pleasure,  to  show  you  that  I  appreciate  your  kindness. 

"  My  wife  joins  her  compliments  to  yourself  and  lady, 
and  acknowledges  her  obligation  for  your  kindness  to 
herself  and  husband.  W.  P." 


1750. 


On  the  29th  of  October  he  writes  to  his 
friend  Sir  Peter  Kenwood :  "  I  am  allowed  half- 
pay  as  a  colonel,  but  am  sure  this  will  not  pay  the  in- 
terest of  the  money  I  have  expended  out  of  my  estate, 
but  I  have  reason  to  be  thankful  my  lands  will  main- 
tain me,  and  I  shall  endeavor  to  live  a  retired  life,  un- 
less they  give  me  a  post  of  profit.  My  son  has  had 
some  consignments,  and  has  ordered  the  building  of 
several  ships  for  gentlemen  abroad,  and  has  the  char- 
acter of  a  diligent,  honest  man,  which  gives  me  great 
comfort.  Remember  me  to  my  cousin  Frost.  Her 
husband  [Hon.  George  Frost  of  Durham]  has  been 
sick.  He  designs  to  bring  her  to  New  England  next 
spring" 

Sir  William  visited  his  estates  in  Scarboro, 
attended  court  at  Falmouth,  where  he  had  some 
important  causee  for  trial,  and  took  a  survey  of  his 
other  concerns,  that  had  been  long  neglected.  He  wrote 
to  General  Waldo,  in  London,  that  he  now  had  every 
reason  to  hope  that  the  long  talked  of  alliance  of  their 
two  families  would  soon  be  completed,  much  to  the  joy 


1751. 


■S*!"! 


i.'  ■  i 


Mi 


I 


I         '       :>  'U 


226 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


of  himself  and  family ;  that  the  nuptial  day  was  ap- 
pointed, and  that  his  lady  and  family  connections 
anticipated  the  pleasure  of  joining  in  the  celebration. 

Miss  Waldo  was  making  preparation  in  a  style 
becoming  of  the  occasion,  and  of  the  distinguished 
guests  that  were  to  attend ;  but  a  few  days  before  the 
one  appointed  for  the  wedding  arrived,  Andrew  wrote 
to  her  that  circumstances  had  occurred  which  would 
make  it  necessary  to  defer  it  to  another  day,  which  he 
named,  as  more  convenient  for  himself.  This  was  too 
much  for  her  to  bear ;  her  mind  was  from  that  moment 
firmly  fixed.  She  returned  no  answer;  the  guests 
from  far  and  near,  minister  and  all,  assembled  at  the 
appointed  hour  and  place,  when  she  enjoyed  the  sweet 
revenge  of  telling  Andrew  that  she  would  not  marry 
one  who  had  occasioned  her  so  much  mortification,  and 
who  could  not  have  that  love  and  friendship  for  her  +h 
was  necessary  to  her  happiness. 

Sir  William  and  lady  returned  home  disappointed 
and  chagrined  at  this  result  of  the  afiair,  which  had 
occasioned  them  such  long-continued  solicitude ;  but 
they  felt  conscious  of  having  done  their  duty,  and 
doubtless  preferred  even  this  form  of  crisis  to  further 
procrastinations,  knowing  as  they  did,  that  it  had 
already  prejudiced  the  public  against  the  family. 

General  Waldo  was  more  seriously  disappointed. 
He  writes  to  Sir  William  from  London :  — 

I  was  greatly  chagrined  at  the  news  of  my  daughter's 
changing  her  mind  and  dismissing  your  son  after  the 
visit  you  mention,  which  I  was  apprised  of  by  her,  and 
concluded  that  the  affair  would  have  had  the  issue  I 
had  long  expected  and  desired,  and  that  the  ship  which 
brought  the  unwelcome  news  of  a  separation,  would 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


227 


have  given  me  the  most  agreeable  advice  of  its  consum- 
mation ;  but  I  find  she  was  jealous  that  Mr.  Pepperrell 
had  not  the  love  and  friendship  for  her  that  was  neces- 
sary to  make  her  happy.  This  I  understand  from  her 
letter  to  me,  and  that  the  last  promise  made  when  your 
son  was  in  Boston  was  disregarded  by  him  in  not 
returning  at  the  period  he  had  fixed.  This  disappoint- 
ment to  a  close  union  with  your  family,  which  above  all 
things  I  desired,  has  given  me  great  uneasiness,  and  the 
addition  thereto  will  be  greater  if  I  should  find  the  fault 
lie  on  my  daughter ;  but  be  that  as  it  may,  I  should  be 
very  sorry  to  have  it  break  friendship  between  us,  or 
any  of  the  several  branches  of  our  families ;  —  those  of 
yours  I  assure  you  I  wish  as  well  to  as  my  own,  and 
I  shall,  if  ever  in  my  power,  convince  them  of  it. 

.    .^   ^    .  .    .         ,    -     ..       ...        S.  W.    " 


The  young  lady  enjoyed  more  consolation  than  any 
of  them.  In  less  than  six  weeks  she  was  led  to  the 
altar  by  Thomas  Fluker,  Esquire,  secretary  of  the 
province.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  revolution  twenty- 
five  years  after,  Mr.  Fluker's  loyalty  drove  him  to  Eng- 
land. His  daughter  married  General  Henry  Knox  of 
revolutionary  renown,  and  afterwards  secretary  of  war, 
and  through  the  commanding  influence  which  his  mili- 
tary services  and  political  station  gave  him,  he  was 
enabled  to  rescue  from  confiscation  much  of  the  landed 
property  which  descended  to  his  wife  from  her  grand- 
father General  Waldo.* 

Andrew  Pepperrell,  far  from  running  mad  and  "  fall- 


"1 


4i 


*  A  daughter  of  General  Knox  married  Mr.  Swan  and  resided  at 
Thomaston,  Maine,  and  afler  his  decease  she  became  the  wife  of  the 
late  Honorable  John  Holmes  of  Alfred. 


\''- 
W 


i. 


;!'  1| 


228 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


ing  down  dead  two  days  after  his  dismission,"  as 
writers  of  romance  inform  us,  passed  a  quiet  winter  in 
his  counting-room  at  Kittery,  mingling  occasionally  in 
the  gay  circles  of  Portsmouth,  and  giving  much  of  his 
time  to  the  assistance  of  his  father  in  administering  the 
hospitalities  of  the  family  mansion  to  the  many  distin- 
guished visitors.  His  present  position  before  the  public 
gaze  exposed  him  to  some  gossip,  and  afforded  the  cen- 
sonous  a  choice  bit  of  scandal  ^'to  roll  as  a  sweet 
morsel  under  their  tongues."  His  cousin,  William 
Tyler,  writes  him :  "  Sir  Andrew,  I  received  yours  by 
last  Dost.  I  inform  you  that  last  Monday  evening  Miss 
Hannah  was  married  to  Mr.  Fluker  and  appeared  a 
bride  at  the  West  Church,  New  Boston,  brought  in  her 
chariot.  The  talk  is  almost  over,  for  everybody  thinks 
and  tells  me  they  believe  it  is  what  you  wanted,  but 
more  of  this  when  I  see  you."  How  much  of  this  was 
administered  *»d  a  placebo  or  an  anodyne  to  wounded 
pride  doth  not  appear. 

The  probable  solution  of  Andrew's  mysterious  con- 
duct is,  that  he  would  have  married  in  the  autumn  of 
1748,  immediately  after  being  published,  but  for  a  long 
protracted  sickness  which  ensued,  and  was  followed  by 
heavy  losses  of  property  at  sea,  which  produced  a  set- 
tled state  of  despondency,  and  from  which  he  probably 
never  entirely  recovered;  that  having  erected  an  elegant 
house  for  the  lady,  as  an  earnest  of  his  future  intentions, 
he  deferred  the  wedding  from  time  to  time,  occasionally 
visiting  and  frequently  writing  to  her,  hoping  that  the 
smiles  of  fortune  would  return  to  brighien  his  prospects; 
and  it  is  not  improbable  that  the  impatience  and  fre- 
quent importunities  of  both  families  to  hurry  the  nup- 
tials, though  perfectly  reasonable,  tended  to  annoy  him 
and  even  to  weaken  the  strength  of  his  attachment. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


229 


») 


as 
iter  in 
illy  in 
of  his 
ng  the 
distin- 
public 
le  cen- 

sweet 
JTilliam 
lurs  by 
ig  Miss 
jared  a 
t  in  her 
f  thinks 
ted,  but 
his  was 

ounded 

)us  con- 
tumn  of 
r  a  long 
»wed  by 
id  a  set- 
irobably 
elegant 
:ention8, 
Lsionally 
that  the 
■ospects; 
and  fre- 
|the  nup- 
inoy  him 
tchment. 


Be  this  as  it  may,  no  other  lady  shared  his  affections ; 
and  it  should  be  mentioned  in  palliation,  that  in  every 
thing  else  his  conduct  through  life,  in  all  its  relations, 
was  exemplary  and  unexceptionable.  The  subject  has 
been  thus  dwelt  upon  partly  with  the  view  of  correcting 
erroneous  accounts  hitherto  published  prejudicial  to  the 
lady,  but  more  particularly  to  present  the  conduct  of 
Sir  William  in  a  true  and  proper  light,  as  chaiacterized 
throughout  by  generosity,  candor,  and  magnanimity. 
The  dignified  conduct  of  General  Waldo,  placed  in  so 
delicate  and  trying  a  relation  in  the  aifair,  was  graceful 
and  appropriate,  and  that  of  his  daughter  blameless  and 
commendable. 


20 


*i'-j 


vl 


230 


LIFE  OP  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


r  CHAPTER  XL 

The  opponents  of  Governor  Wentworth  continued 
restive,  and  their  leader,  Honorable  Richard  Waldron, 
(the  grandson  of  Richard  of  Dover,  who  was  murdered 
by  the  Indians,)  addressed  a  letter  to  Sir  William,  after 
his  return  from  London,  in  which  he  portrayed  in  lively 
colors  the  sufferings  of  the  people  of  New  Hampshire 
under  its  present  governor.  The  following  answer  is  a 
specimen  of  non-committalism,  that  would  compare  well 
with  the  published  letters  of  some  modern  politicians. 


[To  the  Honorable  Bichard  Waldron.] 

November  29,  1750. 

Dear  Sir,  —  Yours  of  the  31st  of  last  month  I 
received  after  my  return  from  Falmouth,  and  would 
say  I  am  pleased  with  the  generous  public  spirit  that 
appears  in  yourself  and  Mr.  Sherburne  in  your  concern 
for,  and  consultations  about  the  distressed  state  of  New 
Hampshire.  I  should  have  been  very  glad  to  have  had 
further  conversation  with  you  about  your  affairs,  if  it 
might  have  been  of  any  advantage  to  you. 

I  hope  your  province  is  not  in  such  imminent  danger 
of  ruin  as  you  fear.  The  Lord,  I  hope,  will  interpose, 
and  in  order  for  your  safety,  will  rouse  your  people  from 
that  indolent  state  you  complain  of,  if  there  be  occasion 
for  it.     Hope  for  the  best. 

You  are  at  a  stand,  you  say,  about  the  main  question. 
What  is  to  be  done?  We  must  stand  and  wait  on 
Providence,  when  we  know  not  what  to  do. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


231 


Your  kind  and  honorable  thoughts  of  the  man  whom 
you  seem  to  have  some  expectations  from,  he  is  much 
obliged  to  you  for,  and  if  Providence  should  call  him  to 
so  great  a  trust  and  charge,  as  it  has  strangely  led  him 
into  every  thing  of  a  public  nature  wherein  he  has 
been  hitherto  engaged,  he  would  indulge  no  distrustful 
thought,  but  that  he  shall  be  prepared  for  it,  and  if 
fairly  introduced  will  be  assisted  and  carried  through  it. 

But  verily,  what  you  mention  of  his  early  entrance 
into  public  service,  his  knowledge  in  some  measure  of 
your  constitution  and  circumstances,  his  poor  merit  for 
his  services  to  the  crown,  his  acquaintance  at  court,  or 
any  supposed  influence  he  has,  and  his  worldly  posses- 
sions, have  he  fears  but  poorly  qualified  him  for  a  gap  • 
man  to  stand  in  the  breach  made  in  your  State  aflairs  ; 
so  that,  finally,  he  must  leave  his  good  friends  to  act  as 
they  th*  -''  wisest  and  best,  heartily  wishing  them  Divine 
direction,  trusting  that  when  their  province  is  prepared 
for  such  a  mercy,  relief  will  be  sent  from  one  quarter  or 
another. 

With  my  own  and  Mrs.  Pepperrell's  compliments  to 
yourself  and  Madam  Waldron,  I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  faithful  and  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

W.  P. 


i'r'^)'.>l 


m 


A  particular  history  of  the  dissensions  between  the 
governor  and  people  of  New  Hampshire,  will  be  found 
in  Belknap's  history  of  that  State. 

Sir  William  was  surrounded  by  numerous  relatives, 
requiring  aid,  which,  added  to  his  expensive  style  of 
living,  drew  heavily  on  his  fortune,  already  diminished 
by  the  Louisburg  expedition.  He  was  ambitious,  how- 
ever, to  maintain  a  style  of  living  suited  to  his  elevated 
rank.     He  was  head  of  the  council,  chief  justice  on  the 


1 


ij 

J  I. 

li 

jl  ,;; 

Is     ,       '< 


i  iii  I 


232 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


bench,  colonel  in  the  royal  anny,  and  a  Baronet,  all 
which  necessarily  drew  many  distinguished  visitors  to 
his  house,  whom  it  was  his  choice  as  well  as  duty  to 
greet  with  an  elegant  reception.  His  walls  were  hung 
with  costly  mirrors  and  paintings,  his  sideboards  loaded 
with  silver,  his  cellar  filled  with  choice  wines,  his  park 
stocked  with  deer,  a  retinue  of  servants,  costly  equipage, 
and  a  splendid  barge  with  a  black  crew  dressed  in 
uniform,  —  all  these,  especially  after  his  return  from 
Europe,  were  maintained  in  baronial  style. 

But  he  had  an  ambition  that  transcended  this,  in 
regard  to  his  only  son,  the  heir  to  his  title  and  estate, 
the  main  pillar  of  his  house  and  object  of  his  fondest 
anticipations,  —  to  prepare  him  to  act  well  his  part  in 
the  elevated  sphere  in  which  he  appeared  destined  to 
move,  was  the  all-absorbing  object  of  his  ambition, 
and  we  may  reasonably  imagine  that  much  of  the 
information  collected  while  abroad  was,  during  the 
winter  evenings  after  his  return,  fondly  imparted,  min- 
gled with  lessons  of  wisdom  suited  to  his  years  and 
future  necessities. 

But  how  limited  is  human  foresight !  On  the  20th  of 
February,  Andrew  attended  a  gay  party  in  Portsmouth, 
and  in  returning  across  the  Pascataqua,  late  in  the 
night,  was  exposed  to  the  cold  air,  which,  on  the  day 
following,  caused  a  fever,  that  soon  assumed  a  typhoid 
character.  The  best  medical  aid  proved  unavailing, 
and  the  imminent  danger  of  the  case  was  announced 
to  his  anxious  parents.  Trembling  with  alarm  and 
dismay,  their  grief  was  inconsolable.  Despairing  of 
human  skill,  and  believing  firmly  in  the  special  provi- 
dence of  God,  and  that  "  the  prayer  of  the  righteous 
availeth  much,"  and  ever  deeply  impressed  with  the 
belief  that  the  success  at  Louisburg  was  in   answar 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


333 


to  the  earnest  pleadings  of  Christians  throughout 
the  province,  they  now  implored  intercession  for  an 
afflicted  family  of  all  the  clergy  in  the  neighboring 
parishes,  and  a  special  messenger  was  sent  to  the  min- 
isters in  Boston  with  the  following  touching  appeal :  — 

[To  Rev.  Dr.  Sownll,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Foxcroft,  Dr.  Chnuncy,  etc.,  in 

Boston.] 

Kittery,  February  28,  1751. 

Dear  Christian  Friends: — 

The  great  and  holy,  just  and  good  God  is  come  out 
against  us  in  his  holy  anger.  O,  may  it  be  fatherly 
anger!  He  is  bringing  our  sins  to  remembrance,  and 
seems  to  be  slaying  our  only  son.  O  pray !  pray !  pray  I 
for  us,  that  the  Lord  would  keep  us  from  dishonoring 
his  great  name  in  our  distress  and  anguish  of  soul ;  that 
He  would  support  us  under,  and  carry  us  through,  what 
he  shall,  in  his  sovereign  pleasure,  bring  upon  us,,  and  if 
it  be  his  blessed  will,  that  our  child  may  yet  be  spared 
to  us,  and  sanctified,  and  made  a  blessing.  Pity  us,  O 
our  friends,  and  cry  mightily  to  God  for  us  I 
We  are  your  distressed  friends,, 

William  Pepperrell^ 
Mary  Pepperrell. 

P.  S.  Dear  cousin  Gerrish,  let  our  case  be  known 
to  Christian  friends  along  the  road,  and  carry  this  letter 
as  soon  as  you  get  to  town,  to  each  one  of  the  minis- 
ters to  whom  it  is  addressed.  ,  .<-     . 


Young  Pepperrell  died  the  1st  of  March,  after  a 
sickness  of  ten  days.  A  large  concourse  of  friends 
attended  the  funeral,  deeply  sympathizing  with  the 
bereaved  family.  "  The  afflicted  mother,  mourning  her 
only  and  beloved  son ;  the  fond  sister,  deprived  of  her 

20* 


234 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPEBRELL. 


accomplished  brother;  and  the  bereaved  father,  reeling 
under  this  heaviest  blow  which  his  house  had  ever  sus- 
tained, presented  a  scene  of  distress  truly  appalling. 
His  earthly  hopes  were  blasted  forever."  His  pillar  and 
support  was  gone,  and  the  old  hero  commenced  prep- 
arations for  his  own  summons,  which  he  felt  might  be 
near  at  hand.  Many  were  the  letters  of  condolence 
that  poured  in  upon  iiim,  especially  from  the  clergy, 
with  whom  he  was  in  high  favor,  and  from  several 
members  of  the  council  board.  To  one  of  them,  Colonel 
Rowland  Cotton,  whose  letter  is  beautiful  and  appro- 
priate, he  replies,  "  I  have  received  your  kind  and  sym- 
pathizing letter  on  the  death  of  my  dear  and  only  son, 
for  which  I  am  much  obliged  to  you.  I  cannot  enlarge, 
but  must  say,  with  that  holy  man  of  old.  Have  pity  vpon 
me,  have  pity  vpon  me,  O  ye  my  friends,  for  the  hand  of 
God  hath  touched  me.  I  beg  your  prayers,  and  am,  dear 
Sir,  etc.  W.  P." 


[Obituary  notice  taken  from  the  Boston  Evening  Post.] 

Portsmouth,  March  14.  On  the  1st  instant,  died,  at 
Kittery,  at  the  seat  of  the  Honorable  William  Pepper- 
rell.  Baronet,  his  only  son,  Andrew  Pepperrell,  Esq., 
in  the  26th  year  of  his  age,  and  on  the  7th  instant,  his 
remains  were  interred  in  a  manner  suited  to  the  supe- 
rior condition  of  the  family. 

He  was  a  young  gentleman  happy  in  his  natural 
temper ;  cheerful,  friendly,  and  social  in  his  make ;  of 
that  unaffected  sincerity  and  openness  of  heart,  which 
are  the  marks  of  thorough  honesty ;  not  without  the 
prudence  and  caution  which  proceed  from  some  knowl- 
edge of  the  world. 

His  treatment  of  mankind  was  inoffensive  and  en- 
gaging;   respectful  to   his  superiors;  obliging  to  his 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURQ. 


235 


frienda  and  acquaintance,  condescending  and  easy  to 
those  below  him ;  free  from  that  assuming  and  haughty 
behavior  towards  inferiors,  which  gives  reason  to  suspect 
want  of  sense  and  want  of  breeding.  But  what  is  yet 
more  excellent,  it  was  not  in  his  heart  to  despise  the 
poor ;  on  the  contrary  he  felt  a  tender  sympathy  for 
them,  and  his  unrequested  charities  frequently  pre- 
vented their  cries.  Such  sharers  were  they  of  heaven's 
bounty  to  him,  that  he  might  as  properly  be  said  to  be 
their  steward  as  benefactor. 

He  was  allowed  by  good  judges  to  be  happy  in  the 
powers  of  his  mind ;  and  had  not  his  inclination  led 
him  into  an  extensive  trade,  in  which  he  was  eminent 
for  capacity,  industry,  and  integrity,  he  might  have  dis- 
tinguished himself  by  his  acquaintance  with  the  arts 
and  sciences,  for  which  a  good  foundation  was  laid  in 
his  liberal  education. 

He  was  early  instructed  in  the  principles  of  religion ; 
nor  did  he  want  very  near  him  some  eminent  examples 
for  the  practice  of  it,  which  had  a  good  effect  upon  him, 
and  appeared  in  his  dutifulness  to  his  parents,  his  con- 
stant attendance  on  the  public  worship  of  God,  his  zeal 
for  the  settlement  of  a  gospel  minister,  and  his  ambition 
for  his  honorable  support.  In  short,  he  promised  to  be 
a  most  useful  member  of  society,  and  a  still  greater 
blessing  to  mankind,  but  alas!  a  premature  death  cut. 
off  our  hopes  and  expectations.  '' 


i|r;1 


,}':' 


m 


Several  of  the  letters  that  passed  between  Sir  William 
and  his  intimate  friends,  relating  to  his  sore  affliction, 
are  worthy  of  insertion,  as  showing  the  deep  sympathy 
felt  for  him,  and  the  Christian  spirit  with  which  he  bore 
his  trials. 


m 


Ml 

li 


236 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


' 


[To  Sir  Peter  Warren.] 

,,  ,       ,,  Kittery,  in  Ntw  Enfjlaml,  April  U,\m. 

Honorable  and  Dear  Sir,  —  As  I  have  written  you 
several  letters  since  I  left  your  seat  at  Wcstbury,  and 
not  receiving  any  of  your  favors,  I  shall  be  very  brief. 
I  acquainted  you  in  some  of  those  letters  that  I  had 
arrived  safely,  and  found  my  friends  and  family  well. 
A  great  mercy  that  I  was  preserved  abroad,  and  then 
returned  in  health.  But  that  mercies  and  prosperity 
are  not  always  to  be  our  experience,  I  have  lately  been 
taught,  for  on  the  first  day  of  March,  my  dear  and  only 
son,  after  an  illness  of  nervous  fever  of  ten  days,  a 
healthy,  strong,  and  promising  young  man,  was  taken 
from  us  by  death,  —  a  very  great  bereavement.  May 
God  be  graciously  pleased  to  sanctify  this  afliiction  for 
our  eternal  good,  that  we  may  more  and  more  realize 
the  uncertainty  of  life  and  of  all  earthly  enjoyments,  and 
that  we  may  be  more  earnest  in  securing  an  interest  in  the 
blessed  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  which  is  the  only  thing  that  can 
avail  us  in  a  dying  hour.  I  hope  you  and  your  lady  will 
never  meet  with  so  great  a  bereavement  and  trial. 

I  have  written  to  Mr.  Kilby  to  send  yourself  and 
lady  a  mourning  ring,  in  remembrance  of  our  dear  de- 
parted son,  which  I  beg  your  acceptance  of. 

I  had  thoughts  of  paying  you  another  visit,  but  I 
know  not  what  to  do.  O  that  God  would  graciously 
be  pleased  to  enable  me  to  acknowledge  him  aright  in  all 
my  ways,  and  then  I  shall  be  safe  in  life  or  death. 

Wishing  you  and  yours  much  of  his  presence,  my 
wife  joins  with  me  in  best  respects  to  yourself  and  lady, 
and  your  dear  but  uncertain  comforters. 

I  am,  much  respected  and  dear  Sir,  your  distressed 
friend,  and  faithful  humble  servant,  W.  P. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURO. 


237 


[Sir  Peter  Warren's  reply.] 

My  dear  Sir,  —  I  have  received  your  favor  of  the 
26th  of  April,  and  am  sorry  to  assure  you  it  is  the  only 
one  I  have  had  from  you  since  I  saw  you,  though  you 
say  you  have  wrote  me  several.  I  most  sincerely  con- 
dole with  you  on  the  great  aflliction  with  which  you 
have  been  visited  by  the  hand  of  Providence  in  the 
death  of  your  only  son ;  but  if  I  know  you  rightly,  I 
think  you  have  fortitude  and  resignation  sufficient  to 
bear  it  as  becomes  a  good  man,  and  to  submit  to  that 
great  Power  whose  will  it  was  to  call  him  from  this  vain 
world,  and  to  bei».ave  you  of  so  great  an  earthly  com- 
fort as  we  look  upon  our  children  to  be.  But  why 
should  I,  who  have  felt  th^  same  distress  myself,  say  so 
much  to  renew  your  grief?  My  'vife  joins  with  me  in 
wishing  you  to  bear  with  pa'\e,ice  this  trial,  and  in 
thanking  you  for  the  me»;u  nto  of  rings    int  to  us  both. 

Our  portraits  should  have  been  with  you  ere  now, 
could  we  have  got  the  painter  to  finish  them.  Mine  is 
pretty  forward,  and  I  hope  you  will  have  it  this  fall,  and 
the  other  as  soon  as  possible.* 

I  came  here  a  few  days  ago  to  drink  the  waters,  by 
the  advice  of  my  physician,  for  the  scurvy,  and  I  think 
I  derive  benefit  from  them. 

I  believe  you  and  I  have  been  together  more  than 
once  at  my  n<"i«rhbor  Mr.  Naith's.  His  son  is  appointed 
consul  at  Mavifira,  is  a  man  of  business,  and  his  father 
has  prevailed  on  me  to  recommend  him  to  you  and 
your  frienrlj,  for  commission  business,  which  I  take  the 
liberty  to  do  most  heartily. 

Smybert  has  not  sent  me  your  and  Captain  Spry's 


m 

i 

ft 


111 


'-jr 


*  These  portraits  are  in  the  Atheneum,  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 


^i.j 


238 


.  LIFE  OP   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


portraits,  which  I  admire  [wonder  at].  Sir  Harry 
Frankland  had  commissions  from  me  to  get  them  sent 
to  me. 

My  dear   Sir  William,  your  most  faithful  obedient 
servant,  P.  Warren. 


[Extract  from  Mr.  C.  Kilby's  letter.] 

October  7,  1751. 

I  executed  your  commission  to  Sir  Peter  and  Lady 
Warren,  but  did  not  see  it  necessary  to  go  any  further 
than  to  accept  of  that  melancholy  token  of  your  regard 
to  Mrs.  Kilby  and  myself,  at  the  expense  of  four  guineas 
in  the  whole.  But,  as  it  is  not  unusual  here  on  such 
occasions,  Mrs.  Kilby  has,  at  her  own  expense,  added 
some  sparks  of  diamonds  to  some  other  mournful  orna- 
ments to  the  ring,  which  she  intends  to  wear,  the  whole 
of  which  is  finished,  and  we  recommended  it  to  the 
maker  to  wait  on  Lady  Warren,  in  order  to  give  her  an 
opportunity  to  express  her  regard  for  the  present,  which 
it  is  probable  she  may  have  already  done.  I  have  been 
silent  under  a  deep  feeling  of  sympt>thy,  nor  do  I  now 
find  myself  at  present  able  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a 
relation  and  friend  with  propriety.  Our  religion  teaches 
us  that  it  is  our  confidence  in  God  only  that  can  sup- 
port us. 

Sir  William  writes  to  Colonel  John  Gorham,  one  of 
his  colonels  at  the  siege  of  Louisburg :  — 

Kittery,  April  6,  1751. 

I  am  favored  with  yours  of  the  12th  of  last  month. 
It  would  have  given  me  pleasure  to  have  seen  you  at 
Boston,  or  at  Halifax,  in  my  passage  from  England.  My 
design  was,  if  we  had  sailed  near,  to  have  gone  in  and 
paid  his  Excellency  Governor  Cornwallis  and  friends  a 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


239 


visit,  though  I  have  no  acquaintance  with  that  worthy 
gentleman.  I  once  did  myself  the  pleasure  of  writing 
to  him,  but  never  was  favored  with  a  line  in  return. 
Sure  I  am  that  I  should  be  glad  to  do  him  any  service. 
Please  to  present  my  compliments  to  him  and  to  my 
friend  Greene  and  lady,  and  all  inquiring  friends. 

I  met  with  a  very  handsome  reception  in  Great 
Britain.  I  think  they  have  at  home  a  great  value  for 
this  country,  and  I  hope  we  shall  always  so  behave  as 
to  deserve  it. 

What  you  have  heard  of  an  unwillingness  in  this 
government  to  encourage  the  settlement  of  Nova 
Scotia  must  be  a  great  mistake,  for  certainly  every  re- 
flecting man  must  be  sensible  that  not  only  the  four- 
New  England  governments,  but  the  whole  English 
America,  depends,  under  God,  on  the  well  settling  and 
fortifying  of  Nova  Scotia. 

Governor  Cornwallis's  letter  to  our  lieutenant-governor,, 
asking  for  assistance,  was  referred  to  a  committee  of 
both  houses,  of  which   I  was  chairman.     Our  report 
thereon  was,  that  we  had  a  large  frontier,  and  were 
likely  to  be  invaded  in  an  Indian  war,  and  that,  con- 
sidering how  many  of  our  men  had  been  impressed  on 
board  the  king's  ships,  and  not  returned,  and  how  many 
were  lost  at  Louisburg  and  Minas,  we  did  not  consider 
it  convenient,  or  even  safe  at  that  time,  to  spare  men 
out  of  this  province ;  and  if  we  did,  the  men  could  not 
be  raised  and  sent  down  soon  enough  to  answer  the 
end  proposed  by  his  Excellency;  and  that  the  other 
governments  who  had  no  frontiers,  and  had  not  lost  sO' 
many  men  as  we  had,  in  the  late  war,  and  could  spare 
men  without  any  hazard  of  being  attacked,  should  be 
applied  to.    I  have  no  reason  to  doubt  but  if  the  several 
other  governments  on  this  continent  would  join  to 


fi 


i  .^ 


m 


u  ■  "■■ 


I 


240 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


send  men  to  remove  those  vexatious  neighbors,  (mean- 
ing the  French  Neutrals,)  this  province  would  very 
heartily  concur  with  them.  Certainly  I  for  one  would 
do  all  in  my  power  to  promote  such  a  design. 

I  join  with  you  in  the  opinion  that  our  Americans, 
who  are  used  to  the  woods,  are  the  best  men  to  pursue 
the  Indians,  and  that  it  would  have  been  better  to  have 
continued  the  two  American  regiments. 

I  have  recommended  in  our  mother  country  the  good 
services  of  Colonel  Gorham  and  others  that  behaved 
well  against  Louisburg. 

Your  obedient  humble  servant,       W.  Pepperrell. 

Colonel  Gorham  replies,  July  5, 1751,  from  Halifax  :  — 

I  did  your  message  to  our  governor,  who  since  tells 
me  he  has  wrote  your  honor. 

I  will  take  the  freedom  to  remind  your  honor  how  I 
came  to  be  in  that  glorious  expedition  against  Louis- 
burg. 

I  was  sent  up  to  recruit  from  Annapolis  Royal,  by  Gov- 
ernor Mascarene,  as  that  fort  was  then  in  great  danger 
of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  this  expe- 
dition being  then  in  embryo,  I  was  importuned  by 
Governor  Shirley,  and  desired  by  your  honor  and  many 
more  of  the  council,  to  raise  a  number  of  men,  and 
purchase  whaleboats,  and  proceed  in  the  expedition,  as 
I  did,  upon  condition  of  my  having  the  liberty  of  going 
home  with  your  honor's  packet'  in  my  own  sloop,  as 
soon  as  the  English  flag  should  be  hoisted  at  Louis- 
burg. But  I  was  disappointed  in  this,  and  received  no 
commission  in  his  royal  regiment.  My  father  died,  and 
most  of  his  regiment  at  Louisburg.  But  I  thank  you 
for  giving  me  the  commission  of  colonel  of  my  father's 


/■ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


241 


regiment ;  and  I  now  solicit  a  letter  of  recommendation 
abroad,  and  assistance  to  carry  through  my  memorial 
to  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts. 

These  favors  were  granted;  and  in  respect  if  the 
promise  of  sending  him  bearer  of  despatches  announcing 
the  conquest,  it  should  be  remembered  that  it  was 
made  before  Warren  joined  the  expedition,  who  had  an 
equal  voice  with  Pepperrell  in  selecting  a  bearer,  and 
would  prefer  a  regularly  commissioned  officer  of  high 
rank  in  the  navy,  as  being  more  respectful  to  the  king. 

Secretary  Willard  writes,  requesting  him  to  attend  as 
a  commissioner,  being  one  of  the  council,  to  treat  with 
the  Indians.     He  answers  from  Kittery,  July  19, 1751 :  — 

Sir,  —  Your  favor  of  the  13th  and  16th  instant,  I 
received  with  a  copy  of  Captain  Lithgow's  letter  to  the 
honorable  lieutenant-governor.  I  should  be  glad  if  the 
gentlemen  in  the  lower  part  of  this  province,  when  they 
apprehend  danger  from  the  Indians,  were  directed  to 
communicate  to  the  upper  part,  Kittery,  York,  and 
Wells,  which  are  greatly  exposed. 

I  observe  by  his  honor  the  lieutenant-governor's  and 
your  letter,  that  you  are  desirous  of  my  attendance  at 
the  proposed  treaty  at  St  George's,  and  that  you  think 
I  may  be  of  service.  O,  Sir,  the  severe  stroke  which  I 
have  met  with  in  the  death  of  my  dear  and  only  son,, 
has  brought  me  very  low,  so  that  I  cannot  think  at 
present  I  am  fit  for  any  business.  Besides,  there  are  a. 
number  in  the  council  that  have  not  taken  their 
turns,  and  I  have  attended,  I  think,  all  the  treaties  but 
the  last  one  with  the  eastern  Indians,  for  upwards  of 
thirty  years  past.  I  must  therefore  desire  you  to  ex- 
cuse me. 


!■:;! 


1:'i 


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fl  ^ 

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,  jf 

, 

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242 


LIFE  OP   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


i  U 
in 


jij.;  ij: 


ill  I 


I' 


With  sincere  respects,  I  am,  Sir^  your  most  obedient 
servant,  W.  P. 

From  the  Reverend  Henry  Flynt,  tutor  in  Harvard 
College,  he  received  a  letter  of  condolence,  to  which  he 
rr  plies:  — 

Ki'ttery,Juli/ 23,  \75l. 

Reverend  and  dear  Sir,  —  Your  kind  and  sympa- 
thizing letter  of  the  14th  April  last,  I  received.  I  am 
sure  it  is  from  no  want  of  respect  that  I  have  so  long 
delayed  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  it,  but  the  heavy 
blow  received  by  the  death  of  my  dear  and  L»nly  son, 
a  promising,  healthy  young  man,  has  taken  me  off  from 
doing  my  duty,  and  I  hope  you  will  therefore  pardon 
my  seeming  neglect.  I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for 
your  good  advice  and  instruction  in  said  letter.  I  hope 
the  Almighty  will  be  graciously  pleased  to  enable  me 
to  lay  it  up  in  my  heart,  and  practise  it  in  my  life  all  my 
days.  May  this  death  be  sanctified  to  us  all ;  and  may 
poor  sinking  Mrs.  Pepperrell,  my  very  dear  consort,  be 
supported  under  this  heavy  bereavement,  who  joins 
with  rne  in  our  best  respects,  desiring  your  prayers. 

I  am,  dear  Sir,  your  faithful  and  obliged  humble 
servant,  W.  P. 

[From  Governor  Wentworth.] 

May  9,  1751. 

Dear  Sir,  —  I  have  flattered  myself  with  being  able 
to  pay  you  a  visit  for  some  time  past,  but  my  feet  are 
so  bad  that  I  am  afraid  it  will  be  longer  than  I  ex- 
pected. Please  to  excuse  my  hurry  and  manner  of 
writing,  being  under  great  anxiety  for  my  son  Foster, 
whose  life  I  almost  despair  of.  I  hope  I  shall  be  pre- 
pared for  the  pleasure  of  the  Almightv^  let  what  will 
happen. 


/■ 


AFTER  T  IE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


243 


I  heartily  condole  with  you  and  your  lady  for  your 
unspeakable  loss.  But  the  will  of  God  must  be  done, 
and  we  as  Christians  ought  (let  our  lot  be  ever  so  hard) 
to  pay  all  due  submission  thereunto. 

I  am,  with  great  truth.  Sir,  your  most  obedient  and 
humble  servant,  B.  Wentworth. 

The  governor's  son  died  in  a  few  days  after  the  above 
d?ite,  and  Sir  William  sends  the  following  reply :  — 

ATj'Wery,  June  10,  1751. 

Dear  Sir,  —  I  can  sincerely  and  sensibly  sympathize 
with  your  Excellency  and  your  sorrowful  lady  in  the 
loss  of  your  dear  son.  "What  shall  we  say  to  these 
things  ?  God  is  wise  and  holy  and  just  and  good  in 
all  his  ways  and  works.  Why  should  a  living  man 
complain  for  the  punishment  of  his  sins  ?  Let  us  search 
and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  unto  the  Lord.  May  our 
profiting  appear  unto  all. 

I  ask  your  acceptance  of  a  piece  of  fine  venison  out 
of  my  own  inclosure. 

I  am.  Sir,  your  Excellency's,  etc.  W.  P. 

Little  did  Lady  Warren  expect,  when  she  sent  the 
kind  message  by  her  husband  to  Sir  William,  that  it 
would  so  soon  fall  to  her  lot  to  receive  a  message  of 
condolence  from  him  in  return.  In  less  than  a  year 
after,  he  writes  her :  — 


X 


-I 


l.i  i 


Kiitery,  New  England,  November  18,  1752. 

My  Lady,  —  I  do  heartily  sympathize  with  you  in 
your  sorrows  for  the  death  of  my  honored  and  dear 
friend,  your  late  beloved  husband.  New  England's 
friend.     Your  Ladyship,  I  trust,  and  your  dear  father- 


'^:l ! '» 


214 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


le^s  children,  are  not  forgotten  in  the  prayers  of  the 
good  people  of  this  land.  Many  and  exceedingly 
precious  are  the  promises  made  to  the  widow  and  the 
fatherless,  recorded  in  the  Scriptures  of  truth.  They 
wore  written,  you  know,  lor  ovir  instruction  and  conso- 
lation. Had  it  not  been  for  L*'vine  recrni's  from  them, 
poor  Lady  Peppen<-il  and  I  nhoMd  I;  \\v  [lavished  in  our 
lato  sore  atHiction  aiifl  bere^ivement.  But  blessed  is  the 
man,  the  woman,  whon;  the  Lord  chastereth,  therefore 
let  us  not  despise  nor  faint  under  his  chnstenings.  O 
may  ou^  profiting  appear  unto  all!  May  we  study  and 
find  out  wherefore  the  Lord  con^  'ndeth  with  us,  and  if 
we  have  done  iniquity  (as  there  is  not  a  just  man  upon 
t^arvh  that  doeth  good  and  sinneth  not),  may  we  do  so 
no  more.  Is  any  afflicted,  let  him  pray.  May  we  pray 
always,  and  remember  each  other  in  our  daily  addresses 
to  the  Throne  of  Grace,  social  and  solitary.  And  may 
we  thus  hold  a  sweet,  Christian  communion  with  each 
other  in  the  house  of  our  pilgrimage,  till  a  few  sorrow- 
ful days  are  rolled  away,  and  then  may  we  have  a 
happy  and  joyful  meeting  with  our  dear  departed 
friends  in  the  presence  of  our  holy,  and  blessed,  and 
glorious  Redeemer!  I  wish  the  best  of  blessings  to 
your  Ladyship  and  your  dear  children,  and  I  should  be 
glad  to  do  them  any  service,  if  it  lay  in  my  power. 

I  am,  dear  Lady,  your  Ladyship's  most  faithful  and 
most  obedient  humble  servant, 

William  Pepperrell. 

On  the  bottom  of  the  above  to  Lady  Warren,  the 
following  was  written  and  erased  :  — 

"  I  have  ventured  to  inclose,  as  a  rarity,  being  an 
American  production,  a  hymn  composed  by  a  lady  a 
little  before  the  death  of  her  only  son,  who  died  last 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


245 


March  was  twelvemonth.  Your  Ladyship's  known 
candor  will  excuse  this  freedom." 

Andrew  Pepperrell  died  in  March,  1751 ;  and  un- 
doubtedly the  hymn  was  by  Lady  Pepperrell ;  probably 
Sir  William  concluded  not  to  send  it,  and  suppressed 
the  postscript. 

Among  the  distinguished  clergymen  who  visited  Sir 
"William  to  administer  religious  consolation,  was  the 
renowned  Dr.  Jonathan  Edwards,  a  missionary  at  the 
time  among  the  Stockbridge  Indians.  Mr.  Edwards 
was  many  years  settled  at  Northampton  as  colleague, 
and  afterwards  as  successor  of  Rev,  Dr.  Stoddart.  Hav- 
ing introduced  some  innovations  into  the  established 
terms  of  church  membership  offensive  to  a  majority  of 
the  church  and  parish,  he  was  regularly  dismissed,  and 
was  thence  invited  to  the  pastoral  care  of  a  society  in 
Stockbridge,  and  about  the  same  time  received  propo- 
sals from  the  commissioners  at  Boston,  of  The  Society  in 
London  for  propagating  the  Gospel  in  New  England,  to 
become  the  missionary  of  the  Housatonnucs  or  Stock- 
bridge  Indians.  Distinguished  individuals  in  London 
felt  an  interest  in  this  tribe,  among  whom  was  Joshua 
Paine,  Esquire,  who  addressed  a  letter  to  Sir  William, 
requesting  information  respecting  some  suitable  plan 
for  a  school  for  Indian  girls  at  that  place.  The  secre- 
tary of  the  Boston  commissioners  sent  Dr.  Edwards  an 
extract  from  Mr.  Paine's  letter,  with  a  request  that  he 
would  write  to  Sir  William  on  the  subject.  He  accord- 
ingly gave  his  views  at  length  in  an  able  and  compre- 
hensive survey  of  the  whole  matter,  dated  in  November 
after  his  visit  of  condolence  in  April.*  Pepperrell,  at 
the  time  of  the  visit,  expressed  a  deep  interest  in  the- 


\ 


■i; 


f: 


*  See  Works  of  President  Edwards,  Vol.  I.  p.  474. 

21* 


i 


' 


I 

f 


246 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPEBRELL. 


Indian  mission,  and  soon  after,  wrote  to  persons  of 
influence  in  London,  and,  among  others,  to  his  old 
companion  Admiral  "Warren,  saying :  "  I  have  this  day 
been  favoird  with  a  visit  from  Rev.  Jonathan  Edwards, 
a  worthy  minister  of  the  Gospel,  who  has,  the  last 
winter,  been  preaching  to  some  of  the  six  nations,  the 
Houaatonnucs  of  Stockbridge.  He  tells  me  he  has 
great  encouragement,  that  many  of  them  incline  to 
embrace  the  Protestant  religion.  This  seems  to  be  a 
token  for  good,  and  will  not  only  tend  to  make  them 
our  fast  friends,  and  keep  them  from  going  over  to  the 
French,  but  may  be  a  means  of  building  up  the  king- 
dom of  our  glorious  Redeemer,  which  is  far  more  im- 
portant." Warren,  who  had  first  intended  to  appropri- 
ate the  seven  hundred  pounds  received  as  commissions 
on  the  disbursements  allowed  to  New  England  for  the 
Louieburg  expedition,  to  the  support  of  a  Protestant 
school  in  Ireland,  and  subsequently  changed  his  purpose 
to  that  of  building  a  town-hall  in  Cambridge,  was  now 
induced  by  Pepperrell's  letter  to  appropriate  it  to  the 
object  therein  suggested,  of  educating  the  Indians.  In 
reply  to  said  letter,  Warren  says :  "  I  am  extremely 
pleased  at  the  mention  you  make  of  bringing  the 
Indians  over  to  Christianity,  and  I  have  wrote  to  Secre- 
tary Willard  that  I  should  be  very  glad  if  the  seven 
hundred  pounds,  which  I  ever  intended  for  public  use 
might  be  well  improved  for  that  great  end,  instead  of 
building  any  town-hall  at  Cambridge.  I  am  in  hopes 
the  letters  I  have  wrote  will  divert  them  f  nn  that  in- 
tention, and  lead  them  to  the  other."  Thus  the  flourish- 
ing schools  and  missionary  success  that  ensued  at 
Stockbridge  were  greatly  promoted  by  the  contribution 
of  Warren,  through  the  suggestion  of  Pepperrell,  made 
at  the  request  of  Rev.  Dr.  Edwards. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


247 


In  the  package  containing  Mr.  Edwards's  letter  to  Sir 
William,  was  the  following  letter  to  Lady  Pepperrell, 
written  on  occasion  of  her  deep  affliction,  which  has 
been  much  admired  as  a  happy  specimen  of  Christian 
sympathy  and  condolence.  The  entire  letter  is  too  long 
for  insertion.  ■      t  . 

My  Lady,  —  When  I  was  at  your  house  in  Kittery, 
the  last  spring,  among  other  instances  of  your  kind  and 
condescending  treatmeat  to  me,  was  this,  that,  when  I 
had  some  conversation  with  Sir  William  concerning 
Stockbridge  and  the  Indians,  and  he  generously  offered 
rie  any  assistance  in  the  business  of  my  mission  here, 
which  his  acquaintance  and  correspondence  in  London 
enabled  him  to  afford  me,  and  proposed  my  writing  to 
him  on  our  affairs ;  you  were  also  pleased  to  invite  me 
to  write  you  at  the  same  time.  If  I  should  neglect  to 
do  as  you  then  proposed,  I  should  fail  not  only  of  dis- 
charging my  duty,  but  of  doing  myself  great  honor. 
But  as  I  am  well  assured,  even  from  the  small  acquaint- 
ance I  had  with  you,  that  a  letter  of  mere  compliments 
would  not  be  agreeable  to  a  lady  of  your  disposition 
and  feelings,  especially  under  your  present  melancholy 
circumstances;  so  the  writing  of  such  a  letter  is  very 
far  from  my  intention  or  inclination. 

When  I  saw  the  evidences  of  your  deep  sorrow, 
under  the  awful  frowns  of  heaven  in  the  death  of  your 
only  son,  it  made  an  impression  on  my  mind  not  easily 
forgotten ;  and  when  you  spoke  of  my  writing  to  you, 
I  soon  determined  what  should  be  the  subject  of  my 
letter.  It  was  that  which  appeared  to  me  to  be  the 
most  proper  subject  of  contemplation,  for  one  in  your 
circumstances ;  that,  which  I  thought,  above  all  others. 


24S 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


i  a 


I 


!.!; 


i  , 


■I 


would  furnish  you  a  proper  and  sufficient  source  of  con- 
Kolation,  under  your  heavy  aflliction  ;  and  this  was  the 
Lord  Jesus  Clirist:  —  partJcuhirly  the  amiableness  of 
his  character,  which  renders  him  worthy  that  we  should 
love  him,  and  take  him  for  our  only  portion,  our  rest, 
hope,  and  joy;  and  his  great  and  unparalleled  love 
toward  us.  And  I  have  been  of  the  same  mind  ever 
since;  being  determined,  if  God  favored  me  with  an 
opportunity  to  write  to  your  Ladyship,  that  those 
things  should  be  the  subject  of  my  letter.  For  what 
other  subject  is  so  well  calculated  to  prove  a  balm  to 
the  wounded  spirit.  [Passing  over  three  or  four  pages 
to  the  concluding  part  of  this  letter,  which  glows 
throughout  with  Christian  sentiment  and  love,  we 
arrive  at  the  following  conclusion,  most  gracefully  ex- 
pressed.] 

We  see,  then,  dear  Madam,  how  rich  and  how  ade- 
quate is  the  provision  which  God  has  made  for  our  con- 
solation in  all  our  afflictions,  in  giving  us  a  Redeemer 
of  such  glory,  and  such  love ;  especially  when  it  is  con- 
sidered what  were  the  ends  of  this  great  manifestation 
of  beauty  and  love,  in  his  death.  He  suffered  that  we 
might  be  delivered.  His  soul  was  exceeding  sorrowful 
even  unto  death,  to  take  away  the  sting  of  sorrow,  and 
to  impart  everlasting  consolation.  He  was  oppressed 
and  afflicted,  that  we  might  be  supported.  He  was 
overwhelmed  in  the  darkness  of  death  that  we  might 
have  the  light  of  life.  He  was  cast  into  the  furnace  of 
God's  wrath,  that  we  might  drink  of  the  rivers  of 
pleasure.  His  soul  was  overwhelmed  with  sorrow  that 
our  hearts  might  be  overwhelmed  with  a  flood  of  eter- 
nal joy. 

We  may  also  well  remember  in  what  circumstances 


we 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISDURfl. 


249 


OTu  Redeemer  now  is.  He  was  dead,  but  he  is  alive,  and 
ho  lives  forevermore.  Death  may  deprive  us  of  our 
friends  here,  but  it  cannot  deprive  us  of  this  our  best 
friend.  We  have  this  best  of  friends,  tliis  mighty 
Redeemer,  to  go  to,  in  ail  our  afllictions;  and  he  is  not 
one  who  cannot  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  in- 
firmities. He  has  sutfered  far  greater  sorrows  than  we 
have  ever  suffered;  and  if  we  are  actually  united  to 
him,  the  union  can  never  be  broken,  but  will  continue 
when  we  die  and  when  heaven  and  earth  are  dissolved. 
Therefore,  in  this  we  may  be  confident,  though  the  earth 
be  removed,  in  him  we  shall  triumph  with  everlast- 
ing joy.  Now,  when  storms  and  tempests  arise,  we 
may  resort  to  him,  who  is  a  hiding-place  from  the 
storm,  and  a  covert  from  the  tempest.  When  we  thirst 
we  may  come  to  him,  who  is  as  rivers  of  water  in  a  dry 

place Christ  said  to  his  disciples,  "  In  the 

world  ye  shall  have  tribulation ;  but  in  me  ye  shdl  have 
peace."  If  we  are  united  to  him  we  shall  be  like  a  tree 
planted  by  the  waters,  and  that  spreadeth  out  its  roots 
by  the  river,  that  shall  not  see  when  heat  cometh,  but 
its  leaf  shall  ever  be  green,  and  it  shall  not  be  careful 
in  the  year  of  drought,  neither  shall  it  cease  from  yield- 
ing fruit.  He  will  now  be  our  light  in  darkness ;  our 
morning  star,  shining  as  the  sure  harbinger  of  approach- 
ing day.  In  a  little  time  he  will  arise  on  our  souls,  as 
the  sun  in  his  glory  and  our  sun  shall  no  more  go 
down,  and  there  shall  bt  no  interposing  cloud,  no  veil 
on  his  face  or  on  orr  h  'arts;  but  the  Lord  shall  be  our 
everlasting  light,  and  our  Redeemer  our  glory. 

That  this  glorious  Redeemer  would  manifest  his 
glory  and  love  to  your  mind,  and  apply  what  little  I 
have  said  on  this  subject  to  your  consolation,  in  all  your 
afflictions,  and  abundantly  reward  your  kindness  and 


;ii 


U 


fi 


•II 


250 


LIFE  OP  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


i 


generosity  to  me,  while  I  v/  .  »'t  Kittery ;  is  the  fervent 
prayer,  Madam,  of  your  LadyHhip's  most  obliged  and 
aH'uctiunate  friend  and  humble  servant, 

Jonathan  Edwards. 

It  may  interest  some  readers  to  know  more  of  the 
history  of  the  Stockbridge  mission  and  school,  and  of 
Mr.  Edwards's  labors.  The  Rev.  Dr.  Stephen  Williams, 
son  of  Rev.  John  Williams,  of  Deerfield,  and  in  boyhood 
an  Indian  captive  with  his  father,  was  educated  for  the 
ministry,  and  was  a  chaplain  in  high  favor  with  Pep- 
perrell  at  Louisburg.  He  was  subsequently  chaplain 
with  Colonel  Ephraim  Williams,  when  he  fell  near 
Lake  George.  This  Reverend  Stephen  Williams  was 
among  the  early  and  active  promoters  of  the  Indian 
mission  at  Stockbridge,  and  assisted  at  the  ordination 
of  Rev.  John  Sargeant,  the  first  missionary  sent  there. 
Mr.  Sargeant  married  a  sister  of  Colonel  Ephraim, 
and  her  husband  dying,  she  married  for  her  second  bus- 
band,  Brigadier  Dwight.  The  wealth  and  talents  of 
the  Williamses  already  gave  them  commanding  influ- 
ence in  the  western  part  of  Massachusetts,  which  was 
increased  by  family  alliances,  and  particularly  by  this 
with  Brigadier  Dwight.  The  father  of  Colonel  Ephraim 
and  of  Mrs.  Dwight  was  the  leader  of  four  families 
selected  and  sent  by  the  legislature  to  reside  at  Stock- 
bridge,  as  companions  and  assistants  with  the  mission- 
ary, and  he  was  surveyor  and  one  of  the  trustees,  and 
to  some  extent  steward  of  the  funds  sent  from  London 
and  from  Boston. 

The  Williams  family  had  been  strenuous  opponents 
of  Mr.  Edwards  at  Northampton,  and  active  in  effecting 
his  dismission,  and  were  opposed  to  his  settlement  at 
Stockbridge.     Mr.  Wood  bridge,  an  Indian  teacher  at 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISDURfl. 


251 


Btockbridge,  and  one  of  the  four  sent  by  the  province, 
was  in  favor  with  Mr.  Edwards,  and  so  was  Mr.  Ilaw- 
ley,  his  assistant.  Mr.  Ephraim  Williams,  senior,  wished 
to  introduce  two  of  his  kinsmen  into  the  place  of  these 
teachers,  and  Mrs.  Sargeant,  his  daughter,  was  already 
employed  during  her  widowhood  as  teacher  of  the  Indian 
females.  Such  was  the  relation  in  which  individuals 
stood  to  each  other.  Mr.  Edwards,  probably  remem- 
bering the  opposition  of  the  Williamses  at  Northampton, 
disliked  and  opposed  the  further  increase  of  their  power, 
by  substituting  their  kinsmen  for  Woodbridge  and  Haw- 
ley,  as  teachers,  and  spoke  of  Mrs.  Sargeant,  now  Mrs. 
Dwight,  as  too  much  engrossed  with  domestic  cares  to 
fulfil  her  duties  as  a  teacher  of  the  Indian  females.  Thus 
two  parties  existed,  whose  dissensions  threatened  to 
injure  the  whole  Indian  mission.  The  Williamses  en- 
deavored to  displace  Mr.  Edwards,  by  drawing  up  a 
report  to  the  legislature,  representing  him  as  obstinate 
and  self-willed,  knowing  that  if  they  succeeded  in  re- 
moving him,  the  tutors  Woodbridge  and  Hawley  might 
easily  be  displaced,  and  that  Mrs.  Dwight  would  remain 
undisturbed  in  the  female  department,  and  Mr.  "Wil- 
liams remain  steward  and  controller  of  the  donations  of 
Hollis,  Paine,  and  "Warren,  and  of  legislative  appropri- 
ations. 

Both  parties  made  interest  with  Pepperrell,  Oliver, 
and  Secretary  "Willard,  and  other  prominent  men.  Ed- 
wards, in  a  long  epistle,  dated  January  30, 1753,  to  Sir 
William,  defended  his  own  conduct  against  the  com- 
plaints of  his  opponents,  and  solicited  his  influence 
with  the  corporation  in  London.  But  an  officious 
friend  of  Dwight  and  "Williams  intimated  to  Edwards's 
friends  that  they  had  secured  Sir  William's  interest 
with  the  corporation  on  their  side,  for  the  removal  of 


m 


252 


LIFE  OF   SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


Mr.  Edwards.     On  hearing  which,  Secretary  Willard 
addressed  a  letter  to  Pepperrell :  — 


-  Boston,  February  2A,  1753. 

Honored  and  dear  Sir,  —  The  occasion  of  giving 
you  this  trouble,  is  a  rumor  we  have  that  you  have 
promised  Brigadier  Dwight  that  you  would  use  all  your 
interest  with  your  friends  in  England,  that  Mr.  Edwards 
should  be  discharged  from  his  trust  as  missionary 
among  the  Indians.  Indeed,  I  am  fully  persuaded, 
from  the  knowledge  I  have  of  your  candid  and  generous 
temper,  and  the  love  you  have  for  good  men,  that  there 
is  not  ihe  least  ground  for  this  report.      /    .  ,  .      <  ,, 

The  commissioners  for  Indian  affairs,  after  a  full  and 
impartial  inquiry  into  the  dissensions  lately  arisen  at 
Stockbridge,  are  well  satisfied  as  to  the  general  good 
conduct  of  Mr.  Edwards,  and  apprehend  he  has  been 
very  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  that  important  trust ; 
that  his  heart  is  sincerely  engaged  therein ;  that  he  has 
acquired  the  general  affections  of  the  Indians,  and  influ- 
ence over  them,  which  he  constantly  employs  for  the 
best  purposes,  and  the  success  thereof  will  doubtless 
be  more  evident,  were  it  not  for  the  unwearied  oppo- 
sition of  some  people  from  personal  prejudices.  I  know 
of  but  one  colorable  pretence  thf  bave  for  disqualify- 
ing Mr.  Edwards  for  this  missioi;-  I  that  is  his  want 
of  the  Indian  language,  and  unsuitauie  age  for  learning 
it.  But  if  this  is  a  sufficient  reason  against  him  now, 
it  was  doubtless  so  when  Brigadier  Dwight  was  so 
eager,  before  his  alliance  with  the  Williams  family,  to 
have  Mr.  Edwards  put  into  this  employment.  Besides, 
I  apprehend  Mr.  Edwards's  other  excellent  accomplish- 
ments for  this  work,  will  more  than  make  amends  for 
that  defect.     .„  ....    „....,.....,-, 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURG. 


253 


Sir  William  replies:  — 


Kittery,  March  6,  1753. 

Honored  Sir, -—Your  favor  of  the  24th  of  last 
month,  I  received  by  Colonel  Dwight,  and  at  the  same 
time  received  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Edwards.  It  is 
strange  to  hear  what  liberty  some  people  will  give 
themselves.  I  never  was  at  court  to  hear  any  of  the 
arguments  relating  to  the  difference  between  Brigadier 
Dwight  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Edwards,  and  am  altogether 
a  stranger  to  it;  and  how  I  should  expose  myself,  by 
writing  on  an  affair  that  I  was  a  stranger  to.  You 
have  been  pleased  to  say  you  have  known  me  when  I 
was  very  young,  and  been  acquainted  with  me  ever, 
since,  and  if  you  have  seen  such  imprudent  and  vile 
actions  by  me,  i  must  say  you  have  not  acted  like  a 
faithful  friend,  in  withholding  reproof.  I  can  assure 
you  that  I  never  told  any  person  that  I  would  ever 
write  for  or  against  Mr.  Edwards,  and  that  I  never 
thought  of  writing  a  syllable  against  him  in  my  life. 

Mr.  Edwards  continued  to  retain  his  place  at  Stock- 
bridge  four  or  five  years,  when  he  was  invited  to  the 
presidency  of  Princeton  College,  as  successor  to  his  son- 
in-law.  Rev.  Aaron  Burr;  but  he  died  in  the  course  of 
the  first  year,  of  smallpox. 

Soon  after  Dr.  Edwards's  removal  from  Stockbridge, 
Colonel  Ephraim  Williams  writes  to  Peppeaell,  asking 
aid  and  influence  with  his  correspondents  in  London  of 
the  missionary  board,  to  prevent  the  removal  of  his 
sister  Mrs.  Dwight,  from  the  office  of  teacher  of  Indian, 
girls,  and  the  letter  was  carried  and  presented  by  her 
husband  the  brigadier.  Doubtless  the  application  suc- 
ceeded, as  no  complaint  had  been  made  except  her 


• 


f'i 

Ms" 
■.'■  \it 


n 


254 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


family  cares,  and  it  appears  that  she  was  not  displaced. 
The  number  of  Indian  families  at  the  time  in  Stock- 
bridge,  was  fifty-three,  and  of  Indians  two  hundred  and 
eighteen,  of  whom  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  had 
been  baptized,  and  forty-two  were  communicants. 

Colonel  Israel  Williams,  of  Hatfield,  one  of  the  most 
distinguished  men  in  that  region,  was  a  graduate  of 
Harvard,  judge  and  councillor,  and  a  particular  friend 
and  correspondent  of  Sir  William.  The  two  following 
letters,  relating  to  their  afflictions,  contain  such  appro- 
priate sentiments  of  Christian  resignation,  as  to  render 
them  worthy  of  preservation,  for  the  perusal  of  such  as 
may  be  called  to  drink  of  the  cup  of  similar  bitter  in- 
gredients. Colonel  William's  son  was  a  recent  graduate 
of  Harvard,  of  rare  promise,  whose  death  was  greatly 
lamented  by  a  wide  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances. 
Sir  William's  reply  mentions  a  new  occasion  of  grief, 
in  the  death  of  his  beloved  grandson. 


m 


I 

I 


r     '  Hatfield,  April  3,  1752. 

Sir  William,  —  I  received  your  favor ;  should  gladly 
wait  on  you  at  Boston,  at  the  time  you  propose,  would 
my  circumstances  allow :  but,  Sir,  I  have  neither 
strength  nor  heart.  Since  I  wrote  you  in  April  last,  it 
has  pleased  God  to  visit  my  house  in  an  awful  manner, 
myself  and  several  others  with  long  and  distressing 
sickness,  and  to  remove  several  by  death ;  the  last  was 
my  first-born  and  oldest  son.  As  you  have  been  called 
before  me  to  tread  the  thorny  way,  so  you  know  well 
how  to  pity  me  and  sympathize  with  me  under  my 
sorrow.  I  feel  what  you  have  felt,  and  can  heartily 
mourn  with  and  for  you.  It  is  no  small  comfort,  that 
we  are  not  called  to  mourn  without  hope,  and  that  we 
have  reason  to  believe  that  God  took  hold  of  our  chil- 


/ 


AFTER  THE   CONQUEST   OF  I,OUISBURG. 


255 


dren's  heart  by  his  grace,  and  that  they  are  now  adoring 
him  above,  with  other  kindred  spirits  there.  But  when 
we  view  them  commencing  manhood,  and  promising  to 
repay  our  labors,  pains,  sorrows,  vows,  and  wishes,  in  a 
virtuous  and  useful  life,  and  then  taken  from  us,  and  all 
our  hopes  are  dashed,  and  confined  to  a  dark  and  narrow- 
grave,  it  pierces  a  fond  parent's  heart  in  a  manner  you 
know  better  than  I  can  express.  However,  it  is  the  will 
of  the  glorious  Jehovah ;  he  has  done  right,  and  it  be- 
comes us  to  acquiesce  in  his  sovereignty,  wisdom,  and 
righteousness.  Our  heavenly  Father  sees  we  have  need 
of  these  things,  to  recover  our  wandering  hearts,  and  to 
bring  us  to  live  upon  him,  as  our  only  portion  and  hap- 
piness. May  the  rod  be  in  the  hand  of  love,  and  so 
improved  by  us  as  not  to  render  such  strokes  necessary 
to  reduce  us.  May  these  afflictions  work  for  us  a  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 

Israel  Williams. 


[Answer.] 

Kittery,  June  5,  1752. 

Colonel  Israel  Williams  :  — 

Sir,  —  Your  favor  of  the  3d  of  April,  I  should  have 
acknowledged  che  receipt  of  before,  but  was  in  hopes 
of  seeing  you  at  the  General  Court  at  Concord.  But 
the  Grand  Orderer  of  all  things  has  prevented  me. 
About  six  days  since,  I  had  a  grandson  about  three  years 
old,  named  for  my  dear  deceased  son,  a  promising  child, 
removed  from  us  by  death.  This  has  brought  afresh 
our  late  great  loss  in  our  only  son  ;  not  lost,  I  trust,  but 
gone  before  to  the  mansions  above,  there  adoring  free, 
sovereign  grace,  where  there  will  be  no  more  sin  nor 
sorrow.  I  do  sincerely  sympathize  with  you  in  your 
bereavement,  as   I  am  made  sensible  what  your  soul 


i    13 


256 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


feels.  O  that  these  afHictions  may  be  sanctified  to  our 
eternal  good,  and  that  they  may  teach  us  so  to  number 
our  days  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  more  and  moro 
to  true  spiritual  wisdom !  We  desire  to  be  thankful 
that  we  are  not  of  them  who  sorrow  without  hope. 
These  are  shocking  trials  to  poor  human  nature.  A  pa- 
rent never  buries  a  child,  when  grown  in  years. 

W.  P. 


/ 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST   OF  LOUISBURG. 


257 


>     -•  (  M  ■ 


CHAPTER  XII. 


Sir  William  owned  real  estate  in  nearly  every  town 
on  the  seaboard,  from  Hampton  to  Portland,  and  also 
in  the  towns  bordering  on  the  Pascataqua  River.  During 
the  two  or  three  years  after  his  return  from  England, 
his  attention  was  occupied  in  looking  after  these  estates, 
and  in  closing  his  mercantile  accounts.  The  historian 
of  Saco  remarks,  that  the  baronet  was  often  in  that 
town,  and  his  appearance  is  described  by  several  aged 
persons.  "  He  passed  much  time  at  the  house  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Morrill,  and  always  attended  meeting  when  here  on 
Sunday.  His  dress  was  usually  in  the  expensive  style 
of  those  days,  of  scarlet  cloth  trimmed  with  gold  lace, 
and  a  large  powdered  wig.  When  strangers  were 
present  at  meeting,  it  was  common  to  solicit  a  con- 
tribution, the  avails  of  which  were  the  perquisites  of  th« 
minister.  Pepperrell  would  sometimes,  it  is  said,  throw 
a  guinea  into  the  box,  in  token  of  friendship  and  regard 
for  the  worthy  pastor."* 

The  first  bridge  over  any  part  of  Saco  River  was  built 
with  the  proceeds  of  a  lottery  granted  by  the  General 
Court,  1757,  on  the  petition  of  Sir  William  Pepperrell 


' 


*  The  town  of  Biddeford  included  the  town  of  Saco  until  1762, 
when  it  was  separated,  and  all  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  including 
Cutts'  island,  was  incorporated  into  a  separate  town,  named  Pcpper- 
rellboro',  in  honor  of  Sir  William ;  and  it  retained  this  name  until 
1805,  when  the  old  and  more  convenient  designation,  Saco,  was,  on 
petition  of  the  inhabitants,  substituted  by  an  act  of  the  legislature. 

22* 


258 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


and  others,  and  Sir  William  was  placed  at  the  head  of 
commissioners  who  were  to  raise  and  superintend  the 
drawing  of  this  lottery.  This  bridge  crossed  the  branch 
of  the  river  on  the  east  side  of  the  island,  above  the 
present  one. 

Residing  in  Maine,  near  the  Indian  tribes  with  whom 
treaties  had  existed,  of  one  kind  and  another,  for  nearly 
a  century,  which  were  renewed  from  time  to  time,  and 
especially  after  any  Indian  war,  Sir  "William  had  been, 
employed  as  commissioner  in  forming  most  of  these 
treaties  for  the  last  thirty  years,  and  generally  as  presi- 
dent of  the  board.  An  account  of  their  proceedings  on 
•one  of  these  occasions  was  published  in  a  pamphlet, 
from  which  the  following  abstract  is  made,  illustrating 
the  relative  position  and  condition  of  that  nearly  extinct 
race  a  century  ago,  and  the  manner  of  holding  Indian 
councils. 

The  conference  was  held  at  St.'  George's,  between 
Kennebec  and  Penobscot  Rivers,  September  20, 1753, 
between  commissioners  appointed  by  Governor  Shirley, 
namely.  Sir  William  Pepperrell,  Baronet ;  Jacob  Wen- 
dell; Thomas  Hubbard;  John  Winslow,  Esquire;  and 
Mr.  James  Bowdoin,  and  the  Penobscot  chiefs. 

The  commissioners  being  seated  at  a  large  table  near 
the  Fort,  attended  by  a  number  of  gentlemen  and  others 
as  spectators,  the  chiefs  and  others  of  the  Penobscot 
tribe  of  Indians  \^'ere  seated  over  against  them.  After 
the  usual  salutations  had  passed,  an  interpreter  and 
secretary  were  sworn,  and  Sir  William  Pepperrell,  in 
the  name  of  the  commissioners,  spoke  to  the  Indians  as 
follows :  — 

"  Friends  and  Brothers, —  Governor  Shirley  has  done 
us  the  honor  of  a  commission,  and  given  us  full  power 
to  act  in  behalf  of  the  government     Through  the  favor 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURQ. 


259 


lead  of 
nd  the 
branch 
3ve  the 

I  whom 
r  nearly 
me,  and 
lad  beep, 
of  these 
IS  presi- 
dings  on 
amphlet, 
astrating 
,v  extinct 
jg  Indian 

between 
20, 1753, 

,r  Shirley, 
;ob  Wen- 

luire;  and 

• 

:able  near 
,nd  others 
'enobscot 
\m.  After 
>reter  and 
jperrell,  in 
llndians  as 

\.y  has  done 

full  power 

Ih  the  favor 


of  Divine  Providence  we  have  been  preserved  in  our 
voyage  hither,  and  are  glad  of  this  opportunity  of  see- 
ing so  great  a  number  of  you. 

"  The  last  treaty  with  you  has  been  kept  sacred  and 
inviolate  on  our  part;  and  in  some  respects  we  have 
exceeded  our  engagements,  particularly  as  to  your  trade 
with  us,  ...  .  and  we  doubt  not  that  you  have 
before  this,  reaped  the  happy  consequences  of  it. 

"  We  rejoice  in  the  happy  effects  of  the  peace  and 
friendship  subsisting  between  us.  That  we  may  open 
our  minds  freely  to  each  other,  we  shall  now  proceed  to 
a  conference  with  you,  in  which  we  have  nothing  new 
to  offer,  but  to  renew  and  confirm  our  former  treaty,  the 
same  that  was  formerly  agreed  upon  between  you  and 
Governor  Dummer,  that  so  the  chain  of  friendship  sub- 
sisting between  us  may  become  brighter  and  brighter. 
To  this  end  we  are  ready  to  receive  any  proposals  that 
you  have  to  offer." 

Abenqidt^  in  the  name  of  the  rest  of  the  Penobscot 
tribe,  arose  and  spoke  as  follows :  — 
.    "  Brethren,  —  We  are  well  pleased  to  see  you  here, 
and  that  God  has  preserved  you  in  your  voyage,  and 
brought  you  in  safety. 

"  We  like  what  Governor  Dummer  and  Governor 
Shirley  did,  and  we  will  stand  to  what  our  sachems 
then  did.  No  man  shall  prevent  the  happy  union  sub- 
sisting between  us;  the  several  treaties  now  existing 
beiween  us  we  are  ready  to  ratify." 

Several  talks  were  held  on  the  subject  of  furs,  trade, 
and  prices ;  the  deceptions  practised  on  them  by  their 
Catholic  priest ;  and  their  failure  to  restore  captives, 
according  to  the  promise  made  by  them  and  the  Nor- 
ridge walks  the  prjceJing  year,  when  they  engaged  to 
go  after  and  redeem  them  in  the  spring.     Explanations 


m 


260 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPBRRELL. 


were  offered.  The  Indians  then  said  they  were  ready 
to  confirm  all  the  treaties  in  order  to  brighten  the  chain, 
and  wished  that  peace  might  continue  forever.  They 
acknowledged  the  deceptions  practised  on  them  by  their 
Catholic  priest. 

More  than  thirty  of  the  chiefs  and  others  of  the 
Penobscot  tribes  then  ratified  and  signed  the  treaty  of 
Falmouth,  of  1749.  After  which,  the  commissioners 
delivered  to  the  Indians  the  presents  sent  by  the  govern- 
ment, for  which  they  expressed  great  thankfulness,  and 
desired  liberty  that  their  young  men  might  show  their 
good  liking  of  what  had  been  now  done,  by  having  a 
dance  in  the  presence  of  the  commissioners.  After  this 
was  finished,  the  commissioners  drank  King  George's 
health,  wishing  that  the  peace  now  ratified  might  con- 
tinue as  long  as  the  sun  and  moon  shall  endure. 

The  commissioners  then  embarked  in  the  sloop,  in 
order  to  proceed  to  Fort  Richmond  (Waterville)  to 
meet  the  Norridgewalk  tribe  of  Indians;  and  in  an 
hour  after  their  arrival  there,  Quarnet,  a  Norridgewalk 
Indian,  came  down  the  river  in  a  boat  to  wait  on  them. 
The  next  day  five  canoes,  with  the  chiefs  of  the  Nor- 
ridgewalk tribe,  arrived.  Being  assembled  as  before, 
without  the  fort,  Sir  William  Pepperrell,  in  the  name 
of  the  commissioners,  addressed  them  as  follows :  — 

"  Friends  and  Brothers,  —  We  appear  here  by  the 
order  and  commission  of  Governor  Shirley,  and  are 
fully  authorized  to  treat  with  you." 

After  cautioning  them  against  the  treachery  of  Pierre 
Gannon,  their  Catholic  priest,  he  says :  "  If  we  look 
i"to  the  last  treatj,  we  shall  find  that  three  articles 
composed  it,  namfly,  trade,  our  captives,  and  our 
lands.  As  for  trade,  the  governor  has  given  orders  to 
the  truck-masters  to  supply  you  at  a  lower  price  than 


i.^   iti 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


261 


the  Frenchj  which  we  are  abundantly  able  and  disposed 
to  do. 

"  As  to  our  friends  in  captivity,  wq  must  remind  you 
of  your  solemn  engagement  to  return  them  by  the  last 
spring  at  furthest;  yet  they  still  remain  in  the  hands  of 
the  French.  This  conduct  of  yours  is  base  and  unjust, 
and  as  such  deserves  the  highest  resentment;  and,  there- 
fore, after  all  your  promises,  we  must  demand  of  you 
the  reason  why  they  are  not  returned ;  and  unless  satis- 
factorily accounted  for,  we  must  plainly  tell  you  that 
you  have  not  fulfilled  your  engagements,  and  that 
unless  restored  forthwith  we  must  look  upon  it  as  a 
violation  of  the  treaty  made  and  ratified  last  year. 

"  We  shall,  in  the  course  of  this  conference,  offer  you 
such  evidence  of  our  claim  to  these  lands  as  shall  con- 
vince you  that  we  have  done  you  no  injustice." 

To  this  the  Indians,  in  the  afternoon,  answered  vevy 
briefly,  telling  them  not  to  mind  the  lying  Jesuit ;  "  we 
want  peace  as  much  as  the  Penobscot  Indians  do." 

A  long  parley  was  then  held,  in  which  the  Indians 
begged  that  the  English  would  not  encroach  further  on 
their  lands  than  Fort  Richmond  (Waterville)  where 
they  then  were.       '    - 

"  We  live,"  says  Quenois,  "  wholly  by  this  land,  and 
live  but  poorly ;  the  Penobscots  hunt  on  one  side  of  us, 
and  the  Canada  Indians  on  the  other  side;  therefore 
do  not  turn  us  off  this  land.  We  are  willing  you 
should  enjoy  all  the  lands  from  Richmond  downwards 
to  the  sea."  ^     ,;  * 

In  respect  to  the  captives,  the  excuse  offered  by 
Quenois  for  not  bringing  them  in  was,  that  he  broke 
his  arm,  and  was  unable  to  paddle  a  canoe  to  Canada 
for  them. 

Commissioners.  —  "  When  the  English  promise,  they 


}} 


•  PI  1 


262 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERftELL. 


religiously  perform ;  they  promised  la  '  year  that  your 
complaints  should  be  redressed,  r'^specting  the  Englic'a 
hunting  on  your  grounfl,  and  taking  your  game  ;  imme- 
diately upon  the  great  'uurt'tj  sitting  after  their  return, 
a  law  was  made  to  prevent  it." 

Ansirer.  — "  We  made  a  promise  to  fetch  the  cap- 
tives. We  are  going  upon  our  hunting  now ;  but  in 
the  spring  we  will  go  to  Canada  and  talk  with  the 
French  governor,  and  do  what  we  can  to  bring  11. em." 

Friday  afternoon.  The  title  of  the  English  to  the 
lands  on  the  Kennebec  was  discussed.  The  Indian 
deeds  were  exhibited,  signed  by  ancient  Sagamores, 
many  of  whose  names  the  Indie ^is  remembered.  This 
embraced  all  the  lands  deeded  by  the  Indians  to  the 
English,  and  all  on  which  they  had  settled. 

Saturday  morning,  September  '29.  PepperrelL — "  We 
are  glad  to  see  you  this  morning,  and  hope  you  are  all 
well.  We  told  you  yesterday  that  all  the  lands  on  both 
sides  the  Kennebec  River,  as  high  up  as  Wasserunsick, 
belonged  to  the  English.  Your  forefathers  sold  them 
to  the  English,  who  settled  them  at  Cushnoc  (Canaan) 
and  Tecounet,  where  are  now  to  be  seen  the  ruin?  of 
English  houses.  You  have  since  renewed  the  treaty  by 
which  they  were  ceded,  several  times." 

The  Indians,  in  reply,  stated  that  it  was  agreed  for- 
merly that  they  should  go  no  further  than  Richmond, 
vviiere  they  now  are,  and  they  hoped  they  would  not 
settle  further  up  the  river.  "  The  Indians  hunt  on  both 
sides  of  us."  "  We  get  our  living  on  these  lands,  and 
if  the  English  should  settle  on  them,  it  would  drive 
away  our  game,  which  has  been  the  case  with  respect 
to  the  lands  between  Richmond  and  the  sea." 

PepperrelL  —  "  We  fairly  purchased  these  lands  from 
your  forefathers,  which  you  do  n't  pretend  to  deny." 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OP  LOUISBURQ. 


263 


your 
ngUfli 
imme- 
return, 


e  cap- 
but  in 
th  the 
icm." 

to  the 

Indian 
am  ores, 
.  This 
\  to  the 

—"We 

a  are  all 
on  both 
srunsick, 
Id  them 
Canaan) 
ruin?  oi 
:reaty  by 

reed  for- 
Ichmond, 
lould  not 

on  both 
Liids,  and 

lid  drive 
[h  respect 

inds  from 
ieny." 


Indians. — "We  don't  think  these  deeds  are  false; 
but  We  apprehend  you  got  the  Indians  drunk,  and  so 
took  the  advantage  of  them,  when  you  bought  these 
lands." 

Pepperreli.  — "  It  was  not  so ;  the  English  settled 
them  before  your  eyes,  and  nothing  was  said  against 
it." 

Indians "We  had  no  religion  in  that  riay,    md 


only  rum  and  wampum." 

"  There  was  no  rum  at  that  timi^ ,  the 
n  carried  on  was  in  corn,  clothing,  and 


used  tc  ' 

F 
whole 
provisio    -. 

Indians. — "We  know  of  a  man  that  occasionally 
traded  at  Teconnet ;  he  built  a  tent  there." 

Pepperreli.  — "  Above  a  hundred  years  ago,  govern- 
ment built  a  truck-house  at  Teconnet,  at  the  Indians' 
desire,  and  there  was  more  trade  carried  on  in  that 
day,  than  there  is  now  in  all  the  truck-houses  put  to- 
gether." '■  , 

Indians.  — "  There  was  a  trade  then ;  but  we  know 
of  no  lands  sold  at  that  time.  There  was  not  religion 
in  that  day."  .       '   ,  ' 

Pepperreli.  — "  We  are  fully  satisfied  these  lands 
were  fairly  purchased  of  the  Indians;  we  desire  you 
will  inquire  and  search  into  it ;  and  we  doubt  not  you 
will  then  be  satisfied  of  the  justice  of  our  claim,  and 
that  we  shall  live  in  peace  like  brethren." 

Quenois.  —  "  We  will  inquire  of  our  old  men." 

Pepperreli.  —  "  Are  you  ready  to  sign  the  ratification 
of  the  articles  of  peace  made  and  concluded  at  Casco 
Bay  in  1749?" 

Indians.  —  "  We  are  ready." 

Quenois.  —  "I  would  say  one  word  more.  Our 
young  men  are  very  apt  to  get  drunk :  we  desire  you 


n 


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264 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


would  give  orders  to  Captain  Lithgow  not  to  let  any 
one  of  them  have  more  rum  than  one  quart  in  two 
days." 

Pepperrell.  — "  We  are  well  pleased  with  what  you 
say.  We  are  sensible  of  the  mischievous  consequences 
of  your  young  men's  having  too  much  rum.  Captain 
Lithgow  is  present,  and  we  now  give  orders  to  him  be- 
fore you,  not  to  let  your  young  men  have  any  more  rum 
than  you  have  now  desired." 

The  conference  being  ended,  the  presents  ordered 
them  by  the  government  were  delivered,  King  George's 
health  was  drunk,  and  the  commissioners  took  leave. 

The  peace  which  had  subsisted  between  Great 
Britain  and  France,  since  1748,  was  but  a  truce  for 
digesting  and  maturing  an  extensive  plan  of  hostile 
operations  betweer  ^ake  Erie  and  the  valley  of  the 
Ohio. .  M.  DuQutsne,  governor  of  Canada,  received 
instructions  to  take  possession  of  that  region  of  terri- 
tory for  the  crown  of  France,  and  to  extend  a  chain  of 
forts  through  it  so  as  to  connect  Canada  with  the  Mis- 
sissippi. Early  in  1753,  he  ordered  a  military  force, 
under  Sieur  de  St.  Pierre,  to  march  to  Le  Boeuf, 
(Waterford,  fourteen  miles  south  of  Erie,)  and  erect  a 
fort  for  security,  to  be  succeeded  by  others  at  Venango 
and  Pittsburgh.  The  governor  of  Virginia  claimed,  the 
territory  from  the  Atlantic  westward  to  an  unlimited 
extent,  and  he  considered  these  forts  as  an  invasion  of 
his  province.  Menaces  were  reciprocated  by  both 
parties.  Three  British  fur  traders  were  taken  on  the 
disputed  territory,  and  carried  to  a  fort  then  building  at 
Erie ;  and  this  was  retaliated  by  the  capture  of  three 
French  fur  traders.  A  formal  protest  against  the 
French  encroachments  was  now  sent,  in  the  autumn 
of  1753,  to  Fort  DuQuesne  (Pittsburgh)  by  Washing- 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


265 


it  any 
ri  two 

ait  you 
uences 
Captain 
lim  be- 
yte  ram 

ordered 
George's 
eave. 
a   Great 
truce  for 
f  hostile 
y  of  the 
received 
of  terri- 
,  chain  of 
the  Mis- 
ery force, 
.e  Boeuf, 
id  erect  a 
Venango 
aimed  the 
unlimited 
iivasion  of 
by  both 
jn  on  the 
milding  at 
re  of  three 
jainst  the 
le  autumn 
Washing- 


ton, then  only  twenty-one  years  of  age,  which  was 
answered  by  St.  Pierre  in  a  spirited  manner,  declining 
to  suspend  his  operations.  To  this  subject  of  conten- 
tion in  the  West  was  added  the  disagreement  about  the 
boundary  line  of  Nova  Scotia,  which  Shirley  and 
Gallisoni^re  had  vainly  endeavored  to  settle. 

Sir  William  regarded  these  and  other  occurrences  as 
indications  of  an  approaching  war,  and  bestirred  him- 
self to  prepare  for  it.  To  the  captains  of  his  regiment 
he  wrote: —  ^ ,       ■  .    .-  '     , 

March  13,  1754. 

It  is  much  feared  that  the  Indians  will  soon  make  a 
disturbance.  I  have  no  orders  from  his  Excellency,  but 
I  think  this  upper  part  of  Maine  is  worth  looking  after. 
Should  we  be  alarmed  by  an  enemy's  attack,  and  there 
should  be  a  deficiency  in  the  town's  stock  of  ammuni- 
tion, and  the  men  not  provided  with  arms,  the  officers 
would  be  blamed,  and  ought  to  be  severely  punished,, 
and  a  brand  set  upon  them.  I  desire,  and  it  is  my 
order,  that  you  take  care  and  see  forthwith,  that  your 
town  is  well  provided.  But  I  have  no  thoughts  of 
sending  you  any  more  orders,  as  I  design  to  write  for  a 
dismission  from  the  regiment,  until  which  time  I  hope 
to  be  able  to  do  my  duty. 

Your  faithful  humble  servant, 

W.  P. 

The  following  letters  show  that  Sir  William's  appre- 
hensions of  war  were  well  founded,  and  that  the  gov- 
ernor, in  anticipation  of  it,  erected  Fort  Halifax  on  the 
Kennebec,  and  took  other  measures  preparatory  for  the 

event. 

23 


266 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


[To  Honorable  Josiah  "VVillard,  Secretary  of  State.] 

'  '  Kittenj,  March  15,  \754. 

Honored  Sir,  —  We  have  had  a  report  that  the 
Indians  are  like  to  do  mischief,  but  from  whence  it 
comes  we  know  not,  or  whether  any  credit  is  to  be 
given  to  it.  You  are  sensible  that  this  upper  part  of 
Maine  lies  as  much  exposed  to  the  French  and  Indians 
as  the  lower  part,  there  being  but  a  single  line  of  towns. 
I  have  ordered  the  officers  to  make  inquiry  into  the 
several  town  stocks  of  ammunition,  and  to  see  that  the 
men  are  well  provided  with  armsj  etc.,  but  as  I  men- 
tioned to  you,  when  at  Boston,  that  there  were,  in  this 
first  regiment,  upwards  of  twenty  commissioned  officers 
that  did  not  take  the  oath  in  June  last  relating  to  receiv- 
ing and  paying  the  other  province's  bills  of  credit,  some 
through  neglect,  others  in  contempt;  the  latter  are 
unworthy  of  a  commission.  As  Colonel  Moulton  and 
myself  are  growing  in  years,  I  have  thought  when  I  go 
to  Boston  to  mention  to  his  Excellency  that  there 
might  be  two  lieutenant-colonels  in  this  regiment  and 
two  majors,  as  every  part  of  the  frontier  is  exposed,  and 
the  distance  from  Berwick  to  Scarbor  i  is  consider- 
able. Colonel  Storer  to  be  one  of  th^  colonels  and 
Captain  John  Hill  and  Major  Richard  Cutts  to  be  the 
two  majors.  But  as  our  inferior  court  sits  at  York  the 
first  Tuesday  of  April,  where  I  have  business,  I  may 
have  to  be  excused  from  coming  to  Boston  until  elec- 
tion. If  there  be  danger  of  the  Indians,  I  think  it  is 
best  to  fill  up  the  commissions  for  the  offices  that  are 
vacant  as  soon  as  it  can  be  done.  I  should  be  glad  to 
be  excused  from  the  command  of  the  regiment. 
I  am,  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

Wm.  Pepperrell. 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURG. 


267 


[Letter  from  Governor  Shirley.] 

Boston,  Junes,  \7 54. 

Sir,  —  Pursuant  to  the  request  of  the  two  houses  in 
the  last  assembly,  I  have  raised  between  four  and  five 
hundred  men  for  the  service  of  the  eastern  parts  of  the 
province,  and  shall  embark  with  them  at  this  place, 
accompanied  with  some  of  his  Majesty's  council,  and 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  for  Falmouth,  where 
I  propose  to  be  about  the  15th  instant,  to  have  an  inter- 
view with  the  Norridgewalk,  Penobscot,  and  Arpegun- 
tocook  Indians,  whom  I  have  appointed  to  meet  me 
there  at  that  time.  I  purpose  at  the  same  time  to  send 
a  party  of  these  soldiers  up  the  river  Kennebec  in 
quest  of  a  French  settlement,  said  to  be  made  upon  a 
carrying  place  between  that  river  and  the  river  Chau- 
didre,  which  falls  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence  inearly 
opposite  Quebec,  and  to  cause  a  new  fort  to  be  built 
higher  up  the  river  Kennebec  than  Fort  Richmond 
(Waterville),  which  has  grown  so  ruinous  that  I  shall 
cause  it  to  be  dismantled  and  demolished. 

If  it  suits  your  convenience  and  inclination  to  meet 

me  at  Falmouth,  I  shall  be  glad  of  your  advice  in  the 

execution  of   this    service,  as  one   of   his    Majesty's 

council,  and  of  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  there ;  being. 

Sir,  your  obedient  humble  servant, 

W.  Shirley. 

[Sir  William's  reply.] 

Kitten/,  June  6,  1754. 

Sir,  —  Your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  3d  instant  I 
received.  I  am  in  a  poor  state  of  health,  otherwise 
should  have  been  at  Boston  at  election.  I  am  at 
present  incapable  of  riding,  and  scarce  able  to  write. 
If  my  health  should  be  restored,  it  will  give  me  great 


I  3 


i 


268 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


pleasure  to  meet  your  Excellency  at  Falmouth  at  the 
time  you  mention,  and  to  give  my  best  advice  for  his 
Majesty's  service. 

Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

W.  P. 

The  governor  went  at  the  time  appointed,  accom- 
panied by  many  persons  of  distinction  and  five  hundred 
soldiers,  and  met  the  eastern  Indians  at  Falmouth,  and 
ratified  the  former  treaties,  and  returned  to  Boston  in 
September. 

Virginia  had  adopted  prompt  measures  in  return  for 
the  spirited  reply  she  received  by  Washington  from  St. 
Pierre.  A  regiment  ws^s  immediately  raised  and 
marched  over  the  mountains  toward  Fort  DuQuesne, 
but  it  was  met  by  a  superior  force,  and  Washington, 
who  commanded,  was  obliged  to  capitulate, 
^^m/'  Intelligence  of  this  defeat  reached  Shirley  on 
his  return  from  the  eastward,  and  was  soon  fol- 
lowed by  news  of  an  irruption  of  six  hundred  Indians 
into  Hoosac,  near  the  north-west  corner  of  Massachu- 
setts. 

An  Indian  war  immediately  succeeded,  as  the  follow- 
ing letter  from  Colonel  Moulton  to  Sir  William  will 
show. 

^  York,  November  2,  1754. 

Honored  Sir,  —  This  day,  one  John  Pearce,  a  soldier 
at  the  upper  fort  on  the  Kennebec  River,  came  with  an 
express  for  the  governor.  It  was  sealed  up.  He  came 
to  me  to  get  a  horse  pressed  for  him.  He  told  me  that 
last  Wednesday  the  Indians  had  killed  a  man  and 
scalped  him  at  their  garrison  (which  is  at  Taconit)  and 
had  taken  four  men  more  and  carried  them  off.  One 
made  his  escape.     There  were  six  of  them  hauling  logs 


AFTER  THE  CONQUEST  OF  LOUISBURO. 


269 


at  the 
for  his 

nt, 
.  P. 

iccom- 
undred 
th,  and 
ston  in 

turn  for 
rem  St. 
ed    and 
Q,uesne, 
hington, 
pitulate. 
lirley  on 
soon  fol- 
Indians 
assachu- 


to  saw  for  making  cabins,  when  the  Indians  came 
upon  them  and  served  them  as  above  and  killed  their 
oxen.  He  further  says  that  eight  Indians  came  into 
the  fort  in  a  friendly  manner,  and  told  them  there  were 
some  Indians  come  from  Canada,  and  designed  to  do 
them  some  damage,  and  that  they  wanted  some  pro- 
visions for  themselves,  which  they  took,  and  also  some 
new  blankets,  and  went  off,  and  it  is  supposed  these  are 
the  same  Indians  that  did  the  mischief,  as  the  man  who 
made  his  escape  recognized  one  of  them.  Dr.  March 
ran  out,  with  twenty-two  men,  after  the  Indians,  and 
they  dropped  two  of  their  guns  and  one  new  blanket 
that  they  had  just  taken  out  of  the  stores,  proving  that 
they  were  the  same  that  were  in  trading.  Great  sick- 
ness prevails  in  the  garrison,  only  twenty  out  of  eighty 
fit  for  duty.  Five  men  have  deserted,  five  killed  and 
taken  by  Indians,  and  those  that  are  left  are  discour- 
aged, and  have  sent  for  more  men,  and  unless  they 
arrive,  they  must  surrender. 

Your  humble  servant, 

Jere  Moulton. 


follow- 
iam  will 

!,  1754. 

a  soldier 
with  an 
He  came 
me  that 
nan  and 
onit)  and 
off.  One 
iling  logs 


23 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


Thus  colonial  hostilities  were  commenced,  both  east 
and  west,  which  threatened  soon  to  involve  both  Eu- 
ropean nations  in  a  general  conflict.  It  had  been  appre- 
hended by  the  British  ministry,  who  were  preparing 
secretly  for  it ;  and  the  defeat  of  Washington  was  the 
signal  for  open  preparation.  Before  news  of  this 
arrived,  Sir  Thomas  Robinson  wrote  to  Sir  William 
confidentially,  that  there  was  a  prospect  of  his  being 
soon  called  into  service,  and  suggesting  that  he  prepare 
himself  accordingly. 

Active  measures  were  pursued  for  disciplining  and 
equipping  the  militia  throughout  New  England.  Gov- 
ernor Shirley  issued  orders  to  all  the  commanders  to 
muster  and  inspect  their  regiments.  Sir  William  writes 
him  from  Kittery:  "Pursuant  to  your  Excel- 
lency's commands  I  have  .had  the  first  regiment 
of  militia  in  Maine  together,  and  find  them  better  pro- 
vided with  arms  and  ammunition  than  I  expected ;  and 
inasmuch  as  there  has  not  been  a  regimental  muster 
before  for  some  years  past,  I  have  ordered  them  to 
assemble  again  on  the  15th  instant.  Nine  blank  com- 
missions would  complete  the  regiment  with  officers, 
which  I  will  endeavor  to  fill  for  those  persons  who  will 
most  honor  them." 


Oct.  8. 


•    I 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OP  1755. 


271 


Sir  Thomas  Robinson  writes  him  again: 
"Having  informed  you  in  my  letter  of  July  5th, 
that  the  king  had  under  his  royal  consideration  the 
state  of  affairs  in  America ;  I  am  now  to  acquaint  you 
that  amongst  other  measures  that  are  thought  proper 
for  the  defence  of  his  Majesty's  just  rights  and  domin- 
ions in  these  parts,  the  king  has  not  only  been  pleased 
to  order  two  regiments  of  foot,  consisting  of  five  hun- 
dred men  each,  beside  officers,  commanded  by  Sir  Peter 
Halket  and  Colonel  Dunbar,  to  repair  to  Virginia,  and 
to  be  there  augmented  to  the  number  of  seven  hundred 
each,  but  likewise  to  send  orders  to  Governor  Shirley 
and  Sir  William  Pepperrell  to  raise  two  regiments, 
whereof  they  are  respectively  appointed  colonels,  of  one 
thousand  men  each ;  and  also  to  sign  commissions  for 
a  number  of  officers  to  serve  in  the  said  two  regiments. 

"  Whereas  there  will  be  wanting  a  considerable  num- 
ber of  men  to  make  up  the  designed  compliment  of  the 
said  four  regiments,  it  is  his  Majesty's  pleasure  that 
you  should  be  taking  the  previous  steps  towards  con- 
tributing as  far  as  you  can,  to  have  three  hundred  men 
in  readiness  to  be  enlisted,  and  it  is  intended  that  a 
general  officer  of  rank  and  capacity  to  be  appointed  to 
command-in-chief  all  the  king's  forces  in  North  America, 
a  deputy  quartermaster-general,  and  a  coiiiiuissary  of 
the  musters,  shall  set  out  as  soon  as  conveniently  may 
be,  in  order  to  prepare  every  thing  for  the  arrival  of  Hie 
forces  above-mentioned  from  Europe,  and  for  raising 
the  others  in  America. 

"  I  therefore  call  upon  the  quarter-master  ar.d  com- 
missary to  fulfil  his  Majesty's  expectations  by  furnish* 
ing  supplies  of  every  kind  for  the  army,  and  at  the 
expense  of  the  colonies,  and  to  correspond  with  the 
general  and  all  the  governors."  . 


272 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


Lord  Halifax  writes  to  Sir  William  again :  — 

.- .  -         v..  Oc<o6er  6,  1754. 

His  Majesty  having  appointed  you  to  be  colonel  of  a 
regiment,  consisting  of  one  thousand  men,  to  be  raised 
in  North  America,  I  have  appointed  Mr.  John  Colcraft 
to  be  your  agent,  and  to  do  the  very  many  things  that 
were  immediately  necessary.  If  you  will  confirm  and 
continue  him  in  your  agency  I  will  be  security  for  him, 
and  can  promise  you  that  he  will  serve  you  ably  and 
agreeably  as  well  as  faithfully,  and  it  will  be  an  obliga- 
tion that  I  shall  ever  acknowledge. 

Most  of  the  officers  will  be  appointed  here  and  set 
out  immediately,  but  some  blank  commissions  will  be 
sent  over  for  the  encouragement  of  those  who  may  best 
assist  you  in  raising  your  men.*  But  of  these  and 
many  other  particulars  you  shall  soon  hear  more  fully 
from  Sir  Thomas  Robinson,  and  from.  Sir,  your  most 
obedient  and  most  humble  servant,  H.  Fox. 


Sir  William  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  his  commis- 
sion, and  adds :  "  The  notice  your  Lordship  was  pleased 
to  bestow  on  me  when  I  was  in  England,  laid  me  under 
very  great  obligations.  Your  request  that  I  would 
accept  of  Mr.  Colcraft  as  my  agent  for  the  regiment  is 
cordially  complied  with,  to  which  end  I  have  sent  him 
a  power  of  attorney  duly  executed.  Be  assured  your 
wishes  shall  always  be  a  command  to  me  and  faithfully 
executed."  He,  at  thi  same  time,  writes  to  Mr.  Col- 
craft :  — 


*It  is  obvious  from  this  letter,  trusting  him  again  with  blank 
commissions  to  fill,  that  Sir  William,  notwithstanding  the  former  false 
imputations  of  selling  them,  retained  the  unimpaired  confidence  of 
the  king  and  secretary  of  war. 


DURING     TIB  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


273 


My  residence  being  seventy  miles  to  the  north  of 
Boston,  at  a  place  called  Kittery,  I  met  the  post  on  my 
journey  hither  with  your  favors  of  the  8th  and  26th  of 
October  last,  in  which  you  inform  me  that  you  are 
appointed  agent  to  Governor  Shirley*8  and  my  regi- 
ments. I  have  also  received  a  letter  from  my  Lord 
Halifax,  Mr.  Fox,  and  from  Alderman  Baker  in  your 
behalf,  desiring  me  to  confirm  you  in  the  office.  I 
therefore  take  this  first  opportunity  to  manifest  my 
respects  for,  and  compliance  with,  the  commands  of 
those  gentlemen.  Inclosed  are  the  two  powers  wit- 
nessed by  one  of  his  Majesty's  council  and  the  secretary 
of  this  province,  which  is  sufficient.  I  doubt  not  you 
will  be  a  faithful  agent,  and  will  take  all  proper  steps 
to  serve  the  regiment.  The  more  blank  commissions  I 
have  the  easier  it  will  be  to  raise  men  for  the  regiment. 

I  am  very  glad  to  find,  by  Sir  Thomas  Robinson's 
letter,  that  my  regiment  is  to  rendezvous  at  Boston,  as 
the  men  will  be  such  as  are  mostly  raised  at  the  North, 
and  the  southern  climate  is  very  unhealthy  and  often 
proves  fatal  to  them.  Not  one  of  the  officers  appointed 
for  my  regiment  has  arrived  here,  nor  blank  commis- 
sions, which  I  am  very  sorry  for.  I  shall  do  all  in  my 
power  to  raise  men  for  the  regiment,  and  flatter  myself 
we  shall  soon  make  a  good  appearance.  There  will  be 
a  considerable  charge,  but  I  shall  save  all  I  can.  I  am 
sending  to  Captain  David  .Wooster,  in  the  colony  of 
Connecticut,  to  raise  what  men  he  can  there,  and  to 
draw  on  you  for  what  money  he  needs  for  that  service. 
I  hope  you  will  have  a  sufficiency  in  your  hands  before 
the  bills  will  reach  you,  as  some  of  the  colonies  allow 
twenty  per  cent,  damage  for  protested  bills.  Whatever 
money  I  have  by  me  I  shall  advance,  and  be  as  sparing 


274 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


in  drawing  aa  possible,  till  I  hear  what  you  may  have 
in  your  hands. 

I  have  been  very  lame  for  some  time  past,  occasioned 
not  by  a  wound,  but  by  the  great  colds  I  got  in  the 
forty-nine  days'  siege  against  Louisburg,  and  living  there 
the  first  winter  after  we  reduced  it,  before  the  houses 
were  fitted  up  that  we  had  shattered  by  our  can '  on  and 
mortars,  but  I  think  I  am  daily  recovering. 

I  am,  etc.,  W.  P. 

P.  S.  I  have  already  a  number  of  men  enlisted,  and 
as  no  clothing  is  yet  arrived,  I  must  advance  money  to 
clothe  them,  at  least  such  as  are  in  want,  and  if  our 
regimentals  are  not  altered,  those  that  are  now  to  be 
sent  over  may  serve  for  another  year.  My  good  friend. 
Alderman  Baker,  recommends  Mr.  Brice  Fisher  to  pro- 
vide the  clothing  for  the  regiment  hereafter.  If  you 
and  he  think  there  can  be  no  inconvenience  in  the 
same,  I  submit  it  to  you  and  that  gentleman  whether, 
if  some  of  the  cloth  were  sent  over  here  in  pieces,  it 
might  not  be  made  up  to  fit  the  men  better. 

..    .         [To  Governor  Belcher  of  New  Jersey.] 

Boston,  February  18,  1755. 

I  received,  some  time  last  December,  his  Majesty's 
orders  to  raise  a  regiment  of  foot  for  the  service  and 
defence  of  his  Majesty's  provinces  in  America,  and  to 
correspond  with  your  Excellency  and  the  several  gov- 
ernors of  the  colonies.  With  said  orders  I  had  the  copy 
of  a  circular  letter  to  the  governors  of  North  America, 
dated  the  26th  of  October  last,  which  I  am  sure  you 
will  endeavor  to  comply  with. 

I  doubt  not  but  you  will  with  pleasure  .afford  your 
best  assistance  to  me  or  any  of  my  officers,  not  only  by 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


275 


your  duty  to  his  Majesty,  but  from  the  regard  you  have 
for  me.  If  any  of  your  gentlemen  would  supply  my 
lieutenant-colonel,  James  F.  Mercer,  with  what  money 
he  may  have  occasion  for  in  the  rtgiinent,  and  take  his 
bills  on  the  agent  of  my  regiment,  John  Colcraft, 
Esquire,  I  am  well  assured  they  would  meet  with  due 
honor.  Or  as  soon  as  I  know  he  has  arrived,  I  would 
draw  the  bills  and  send  them  to  those  that  supply  him. 

Upon  the  first  orders  I  received  to  raise  the  regiment, 
it  was  to  rendezvous  at  Boston,  but  since  my  coming 
here,  which  was  two  days  past,  I  find  that  my  regiment 
is  to  rendezvous  at  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  which 
has  very  much  prevented  my  completing  it.  Governor 
Shirley  has  had  a  thousand  advantages  over  me.  I 
hope  I  shall  do  my  best  and  leave  the  event  to  Him 
who  governs  all  things.  My  difficulties  at  present  seem 
great. 

I  hope,  since  we  are  to  rendezvous  so  near  your  gov- 
ernment, I  shall  have  a  considerable  number  of  brave 
fellows  enlisted  there,  and  the  pleasure  of  soon  taking 
my  dear  old  friend  by  the  hand.  W.  P. 


ITo  the  Bight  Honorable  Henry  Fox,  Esquire,  (Lord  Halifax).] 

Boston,  February  23, 1755. 

I  had  the  honor  to  write  you  the  21st  of  December 
last,  in  answer  to  yours  of  October  6th,  since  which, 
upon  my  arrival  in  town  a  day  or  two  past,  from  my 
place  of  residence  about  seventy  miles  north,  I  have  the 
honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  4th  of  November  last. 
I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  your  congratulations 
upon  his  Majesty's  appointment  of  me  to  the  command 
of  one  of  the  two  regiments  to  be  raised  for  the  defence 
of  his  colonies  in  North  America. 

I  have  received,  by  the  handd  of  Lieutenant- Colonel 


276 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


fl 


Mercer,  blank  commissions  for  two  captains,  the  captain- 
lieutenant,  four  lieutenants,  and  four  ensigns ;  and  in 
the  disposal  of  them  I  shall  pay  the  strictest  regard  to 
his  Majesty's  commands,  which,  in  justice  to  myself,  1 
must  say,  and  beg  leave  to  assure  you  upon  my  honor, 
perfectly  corres\3onds  with  the  resolution  I  had  taken 
before  the  receipt  of  the  same,  not  to  avail  myself  of 
the  least  advantage,  but  to  make  his  Majesty's  service 
the  invariable  rule  of  my  conduct  in  disposing  of  them. 
Accordingly,  when  I  was  some  time  since  solicited  for 
a  captain's  commission  by  a  gentleman  that  married 
my  only  child,  whose  solicitations  had  the  countenance 
of  no  small  number  of  our  best  people,  and  who  is  a 
member  of  our  general  assembly  of  superior  influence, 
and  was  greatly  serviceable  in  that  station  the  last  war, 
inasmuch  as  I  knew  that  I  could  command  his  interest 
for  the  service  of  the  regiment,  without  gratifying  him 
in  this  particular,  I  made  no  hesitation  of  denying  him 
his  request,  and  laid  myself  under  an  obligation  to 
another,  provided  he  could  seasonably  enlist  a  certain 
number  of  men  for  the  service.  And  as  such  has  been 
my  disinterested  conduct  hitherto,  and  as  I  can  assure 
you  was  the  case  the  last  war,  when  I  had  the  disposal 
of  a  number  of  blank  commissions  in  the  regiment  I 
had  then  the  honor  to  command,  I  hope  you  will  have 
no  doubt  of  my  acting  in  future  upon  like  generous 
principles.*  And  I  should  now  do  myself  the  honor  to 
transmit  you  a  list  of  the  officers'  names,  and  assign 
my  reasons  for  the  appointment  of  them  respectively ; 
but  the  short  time  I  have  been  in  town,  and  the  vessel's 


*  The  secretary  of  war,  (IVIr.  Fox,)  m  reply  to  this  letter,  says : 
"Your  conduct  in  the  disposition  of  the  commissions  sent  you  is 
truly  disinterested/'    See  Dr.  Stevens's  funeral  sermon. 


DURINO  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


277 


iptain- 
md  in 
rard  to 
yself,  1 
honor, 
I  taken 
^self  of 
service 
if  them, 
jited  for 
married 
itenance 

vho  is  a 
ifluence, 
last  war, 
,  interest 
ying  him 
ring  him 
ation  to 
a,  certain 
has  been 
in  assure 
!  disposal 
giment  I 
will  have 

generous 

honor  to 
id  assign 

(cctively ; 

le  vessel's 


letter,  says: 
Isent  you  is 


sudden  departure  by  which  this  goes,  will  not  admit  of 
it.  I  must  therefore  beg  your  indulgence  till  another 
opportunity  offers,  which  will  not  be  long  first,  when 
you  may  depend  on  my  putting  what  remains  of  your 
commands  in  execution. 

I  am  sorry  to  observe  the  officers  of  my  regiment  are 
to  receive  pay  only  from  the  day  they  enter  their  com- 
missions with  Mr.  Pitcher,  commissary  of  the  musters, 
or  his  deputy.  But  when  it  is  considered  that  upon  the 
receipt  of  his  Majesty's  commands  on  or  about  the  20th 
<of  December  last,  I  immediately  employed  as  many 
^4-rsons  in  recruiting  for  the  regiment  as  I  expected  to 
provide  for  (some  of  whom  I  now  find  will  be  disap- 
pointed), and  that  they  have  been  constantly  in  the 
service  ever  since,  and  that  Mr.  Pitcher  is  at  a  great  dis- 
tance from  hence,  and  that  it  will  require  some  consid- 
erable time  to  enter  their  commissions  with  him,  I  hope 
that  this  order  will  be  so  far  dispensed  with,  as  that 
they  will  be  allowed  pay  for  the  time  they  have  been  in 
actual  service.  As  none  of  the  officers  appointed  by 
his  Majesty  for  my  regiment  have  arrived  till  very  lately, 
and  much  the  greater  part  of  them  are  still  wanting,  I 
have  had  no  assistance  but  from  the  few  that  I  could 
engage  to  provide  for,  and  they  being  very  much  dis- 
persed, I  am  not  able  to  ascertain  the  number  now 
enlisted,  but  from  my  last  advices  from  them  it  exceeded 
four  hundred.  You  are  sensible  how  great  an  advan- 
tage Governor  Shirley  must  have  had  over  me  in  filling 
his  regiment,  not  only  from  his  having  the  appointment 
of  all  officers,  civil  and  military,  within  this  government,, 
but  he  has  the  filling  up  also  of  all  the  commissions  for 
the  two  regiments  now  raising  for  his  Majesty's  service 
in  Nova  Scotia,  to  aid  him  in  complying  with  his 
engagement,  which  enables  him  to  reward  every  person 

24 


27S 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


m 


§m 


i 


i'i 


I 
IS 

I 

f 

ii 


:ii 


that  assists  him,  and  their  number  is  far  from  being 
small. 

By  my  first  orders  from  Sir  Thomas  Robinson,  my 
regiment  was  to  rendezvous  at  Boston,  and  Governor 
Shirley's  at  New  York  and  Philadelphia.  But  upon 
receiving  a  duplicate,  I  find  this  order  is  reversed.  Had 
I  been  apprised  of  this  sooner,  I  should  have  sent  my 
recruiting  officers  chiefly  to  the  southward,  which  would 
have  saved  the  charge  of  transporting  a  considerable 
number  of  recruits,  raised  in  New  Hampshire  and 
Maine,  in  vessels  to  the  southern  governments.  I  shall/ 
in  order  to  prevent  an  increase  of  this  charge,  order  li^y 
officers  into  those  parts,  where  I  have  already  directed 
Lieutenant- Colonel  Mercer  to  repair.  W.  P. 

Soon  after  this  Sir  William  repaired  to  New  York  to 
superintend  the  concerns  of  his  regiment.  Whilst 
remaining  here  he  received  many  respectful  attentions 
from  persons  of  distinction,  particularly  from  Hon.  P. 
V.  B.  Livingston. 

The  encroachments  of  the  French  and  the  defeat  of 
Washington,  with  other  indications  of  impending  war, 
induced  the  British  government  to  send  General  Brad- 
dock,  early  in  the  spring  of  1755,  to  assist  the  colonies 
with  a  respectable  body  of  regulars.  He  assembled  the 
colonial  governors  in  Virginia,  to  decide  upon  a  plan 
of  military  operations,  and  it  was  concluded  to  attempt 
three  expeditions.  The  Jirst  against  Fort  DuQuesne, 
now  Pittsburgh,  by  Braddock  and  his  regular  troops; 
the  second  against  Crown  Point,  by  provincials  from 
the  northern  colonies  and  some  Indians ;  and  the  third 
against  Niagara,  by  American  regulars,  consisting  of 
Shirley's  and  Pepperrell's  regiments,  and  a  body  of 
Indians.     Both   Shirley  and   Pepperrell  had  recently 


I 


'mi\ 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


279 


received  the  appointment  of  major-general,  the  former 
having  y  edence,  and  thereby  was  next  in  command 
to  Bradv  jck  of  the  British  regulars  arid  provincial 
troops  in  America.*  Braddock's  defeat  and  death,  and 
the  retreat  of  Washington  with  the  remnant  of  the 
army,  was  the  result  of  the  first  expedition.  The 
second,  under  General  Johnson,  marched  from  Albany 
late  in  the  summer.  General  Lyman,  of  Connecticut, 
led  the  van  of  five  thousand  troops  up  the  Hudson  to 
within  fourteen  miles  of  Lake  George,  where  he  halted 
and  built  Fort  Lyman,  afterwards  named  Fort  Edward. 
General  Johnson  soon  followed  with  provisions  and 
munitions  of  war,  and  leaving  a  sftrong  garrison  at  the 
fort,  proceeded  with  Lyman  to  the  lake  shore,  where 


*  An  interesting  history  of  Braddock's  expedition,  founded  on  origi- 
nal documents  copied  at  the  colonial  office  in  London,  has  recently 
appeared  in  the  transactions  of  the  Pennsylvania  Historical  Society, 
froni  which  we  extract  the  following  curious  item,  from  the  instruc- 
tions given  by  the  Duke  of  Cumberland  to  Braddock  on  his  departure 
for  America. 

"  Should  the  Ohio  expedition  continue  any  considerable  time,  and 
Pepperrell's  and  Shirley's  regiments  be  found  sufficient  to  undertake, 
in  the  mean  while,  the  reduction  of  Niagara,  his  Royal  Highness 
would  have  you  consider  whether  you  could  go  there  in  person,  leav- 
ing the  command  of  the  troops  on  the  Ohio  to  some  officer  on  whom 
you  might  depend,  unless  you  shall  think  it  better  for  the  service  to 
send  some  person  whom  you  had  designed  to  command  on  the  Ohio ; 
but  this  Is  a  nice  affair,  and  claims  your  particular  attention.  Colonel 
Shirley  is  the  next  commander  after  you,  wherefore,  if  you  should 
send  such  an  officer,  he  must  conduct  himself  so  as  to  appear  only  in 
quality  of  a  friend  or  counsellor  in  the  presence  of  Colonel  Shirley ; 
and  his  Royal  Highness  is  of  opinion  that  the  officer  must  not  pro- 
duce or  make  mention  of  the  commission  you  give  him  to  command, 
except  in  a  case  of  absolute  necessity." 

Letter  from  aid-de-camp  of  Duke  of  Cumberland  to  General  Brad- 
dock,  in  History  of  Braddock's  defeat,  p.  398.      ,       - 


280 


LIFE  OP   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


Fort  William  Henry  was  afterwards  erected.  Baron 
Dieskau,  commander  of  the  French  and  Canadians, 
ascended  Lake  Champlain  from  Montreal,  to  meet  and 
give  battle  to  the  provincials  and  Indians.  He  ap- 
proached near  Fort  Edward,  but  finding  his  Canadian 
troops  and  Indians  unwilling  to  face  the  cannon,  he 
changed  his  plan  and  marched  towards  Johnson's  and 
Lyman's  camp,  intending  to  surprise  it. 

Johnson  supposing  him  to  be  still  investing  Fort 
Edward,  sent  Colonel  Ephraim  Williams,  with  one 
thousand  men,  to  cut  off  his  retreat  to  Canada;  but 
they  unexpectedly  met  Dieskau's  troops  on  their  way  to 
Johnson's  camp,  and  being  outflanked  by  them,  received 
a  sudden  and  destructive  fire,  killing  Colonel  Williams 
and  Hendricks,  the  Indian  leader,  and  many  men,  com- 
pelling the  remainder  to  retreat.  Johnson  and  Lyman 
received  the  news  from  the  returning  fugitives,  and 
drawing  up  their  men  in  order  of  battle,  sustained  a 
long  and  vigorous  attack,  and  finally  repulsed  the 
French  and  mortally  wounded  their  commander  Dies- 
kau. Johnson  being  wounded  early  in  the  fight,  the 
command  devolved  on  Lyman,  who  conducted  it  to  a 
successful  issue.* 

A  detachment  of  New  Hampshire  troops  marched 
from  Fort  Edward  and  came  upon  the  retreating 
French  just  after  halting  for  refreshment,  and  drove 
them  back  towards  Ticonderoga.  The  total  loss  of  the 
French  was  six  hundred  killed.  Some  of  the  pro- 
vincials remained  during  the  winter  to  erect  Fort  Wil- 


*  Johnson,  from  feelings  of  jealousy  towards  Lyman,  withheld  from 
him,  in  his  official  report  of  the  battle,  a  due  share  of  credit  for  his 
services,  which  resulted  in  a  settled  enmity  between  the  two  generals 
ar.d  their  partizans. 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


281 


liam  Henry  under  the  direction  of  Colonel  Gridley,  the 
same  who  planned  Pepperrell's  batteries  at  Louisburg, 
and  thirty  years  after  marked  out  the  one  on  Bunker's 
Hill.  For  this  partial  success  of  Johnson  and  Lyman 
at  Lake  George,  Governor  Shirley  received  the  thanks 
of  the  king,  not  as  a  participator  in  the  conflict,  but  as 
commander  of  the  British  army  in  America  after  Brad- 
dock's  death. 

The  third  expedition  against  Fort  Niagara  and  Fron- 
tinac  was  under  Shirley's  immediate  command.  His 
and  Pepperrell's  regiments  and  a  large  body  of  Indians 
of  the  six  nations,  left  Albany  for  Oswego,  there  to  em- 
bark on  Lake  Ontario.  But  the  difficulties  attending 
the  transportation  of  provisions  and  munitions  of  war, 
and  the  desertion  of  batteaux,  men,  and  wagons, 
delayed  the  arrival  at  Oswego  till  late  in  August,  and 
the  troops  were  not  ready  to  embark  until  the  middle  of 
September,  when  storms  set  in  that  rendered  lake  navi- 
gation dangerous,  and  which  led  to  a  postponement  of 
the  enterprise  to  another  year.  Shirley  left  Oswego  for 
Albany,  giving  the  command  of  the  two  regiments  to 
Lieutenant- Colonel  Mercer,  who,  in  the  following  win? 
ter,  built  two  forts.  Thus  ended  the  three  expeditions 
of  1755,  on  the  northern  and  western  frontier. 

But  an  enterprise  was  prosecuted  in  another  direction, 
The  boundaries  of  Nova  Scotia,  as  we  have  seen,  werq 
unsettled,  and  while  Shirley  and  Gallisonidre  were  en^ 
gaged  at  Paris  in  discussing  the  subject,  the  Frpnch, 
who  occupied  the  disputed  territory,  had  recently  erected 
forts  on  the  two  shores  of  the  isthmus,  at  Beau  Sejour 
and  Gaspereau,  and  at  the  mouth  of  the  St.  John's. 
John  Winslow,  a  major-general  of  militia  in  Massachu- 
setts, was  sent  with  three  thousand  men,  holding  the 
rank  of  lieutenant-colonel,  and  was  joined  by  Colonel 

24* 


!: 


SI 


283 


LIFE  OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


1    I 


';  I'S 


I 

t 


I 


Monkton  with  three  hundred  British  regulars,  and  hold- 
ing rank  superior  to  Wlnslow,  conferred  by  Shirley. 
The  forts  made  very  little  resistance,  and  the  French 
troops  were  readily  expelled  from  the  Bay  of  Fundy. 
But  what  was  to  be  done  with  the  twelve  or  fifteen 
thousand  French  colonists  settled  at  Chignecto,  Minas, 
and  along  the  river  Annapolis  ?  "  It  was  thirty  years," 
says  Hildreth,  "  since  Nova  Scotia  had  become  a  British 
province ;  but  these  settlers,  who  had  more  than  doubled 
their  number  in  the  interval,  continued  still  French,  not 
in  language,  religion,  and  manners  only,  but  also  in 
attachments,  receiving  their  priests  from  Canada,  and 
always  ready  to  favor  any  movement  that  tended  to 
restore  them  to  t!:  jir  ancient  allegiance.  By  the  terms 
granted  when  the  British  authorities  took  possession  of 
the  province,  they  were  excused  from  any  obligation  to 
bear  arms  against  France,  and  were  thence .  known  as 
French  neutrals.  But  they  did  not  act  up  even  to  that 
character.  Three  hundred  of  their  young  men  had  been 
taken  in  arms  at  the  surrender  of  Beau  Sejour,  and 
one  of  their  priests  had  been  actively  employed  as  a 
French  agent.  To  curb  these  hostile  people,  would 
require  several  expensive  garrisons.  If  allowed  to  quit 
the  country  find  go  where  they  pleased,  they  would 
retire  to  Canada  and  Cape  Breton,  and  strengthen  the 
enemy  there.  To  devise  some  scheme  adequate  to  the 
emergency,  Lawrence,  lieutenant-governor  of  Nova 
Scotia,  consulted  with  Boscawen  and  Mostyn,  com- 
manders of  the  British  fleet,  which  had  just  arrived  on 
the  coast,  after  its  cruise  to  intercept  Dieskau.  These 
military  men  took  counsel  with  Belcher,  chief  justice  of 
the  province,  a  son  of  the  former  governor  of  Massachu- 
setts. The  result  was,  notwithstanding  the  express 
provision  in  the  capituliiition  of  Beau  Sejour,  that  the 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


283 


Ihold- 

ihirley. 

French 

Pundy. 

fifteen 

Minas, 

years," 

British 

ioubled 

ich,  not 

also  in 

da,  and 

nded  to 

le  terms 

2Ssion  of 

ration  to 

nown  as 

[i  to  that 
[ad  been 
»ur,  and 
ed  as  a 
1,  would 
to  quit 

ty  would 
;then  the 
ite  to  the 
if    Nova 
|yn,  com- 
trrived  on 
These 
justice  of 
!assachu- 
express 
r,  that  the 


neighboring  inhabitants  should  not  be  disturbed,  a  plan 
for  treacherously  kidnapping  the  Acadians,  and  trans- 
porting them  to  the  various  British  provinces.  The 
capitulation  of  Beau  Sejour  did  not  apply  to  the  settle- 
ments of  Minas  and  Annapolis,  who  strenuously  denied 
any  complicity  with  the  French  invaders,  and  which 
never  was  proved  against  them. 

"  Knowing  how  much  was  to  be  dreaded  from  despair, 
the  ruthless  design  against  them  was  kept  a  profound 
secret.  Assembled  under  various  false  pretences  at 
their  parish  churches,  they  were  surrounded  with  troops, 
made  prisoners,  and  hurried  on  board  the  ships  assigned 
for  their  transportation!  Wives  separated  from  their 
husbands,  in  the  confusion  of  embarking,  and  children 
from  their  parents,  were  carried  off  to  distant  colonies, 
never  again  to  see  each  other.  Their  lands,  crops,  cattle, 
and  every  thing  except  household  furn'ture,  which  they 
could  not  carry  away,  and  money,  of  which  they  had 
little  or  none,  were  declared  forfeit  to  the  crown ;  and,  to 
insure  the  starvation  of  such  as  fled  to  the  woods,  and 
so  to  compel  their  surrender,  the  growing  crops  were 
destroyed,  and  the  barns  and  houses  burned,  with  all 
their  contents ! "  These  broken-hearted  and  disconsolate 
exiles-  were  a  burden  to  the  provinces,  and  it  was  an 
object  to  get  rid  of  them.  Some  made  their  way  to 
France,  others  to  the  West  Indies  and  Louisiana  —  the 
expenses  of  their  transport  being  paid  in  many  instances 
by  the  colonial  assemblies  —  and  many  of  them  sank 
into  fatal  despair.  The  removal  of  this  humble  people, 
even  in  a  humane  manner,  was,  to  our  apprehension, 
impolitic  and  uncalled  for.  The  hostile  influence  they 
exerted  could  have  been  neutralized  by  transporting  a 
tenth  part  of  the  male  adults  to  the  provinces  as  hostages 
for  the  good  behavior  of  those  that  remained,  and  there 


>  \ 


284 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


compelled  to  support  themselves  by  manual  labor  during 
the  war.  It  was,  however,  the  opinion  of  leading  men 
of  the  day,  that  they  should  be  removed  in  a  mass, 
in  order  to  exclude  the  malign  influence  their  priests 
exercised  over  them  and  the  Indians  in  time  of  war, 
and  Pepperrell,  as  we  have  seen,  (page  240,)  was  in 
favor  of  the  measure,  although  his  humanity  would 
doubtless  have  revolted  at  the  treacherous  and  cruel 
manner  in  which  it  was  effected.* 

When  the  three  expeditions  against  DuQuesne,  Crown 
Point,  and  Niagara  were  projected,  it  was  the  expecta- 
tion of  all  that  Pepperrell  would  go  against  Niagara,  at 
the  head  of  his  own  regiment,  under  Shirley.  But  in 
June,  while  he  was  filling  his  regiment  in  New  York,  he 
received  from  the  king  a  commission  of  major-general, 
which  entitled  him  to  a  higher  command  than  that  of 
a  single  regiment.  Mr.  Sparhawk,  representative  in 
the  legislature,  writes  to  him  June  14th :  "  We  see  in 
our  country  journal  an  extract  of  news  from  the  New 
York  paper,  v/hich  assures  of  your  commission  as  major- 
general  being  got  to  your  hands.  Rev.  Dr.  Chauncy 
tells  me  that  Doctor  Clarke,  who  you  know  has  a  great 
intimacy  with  the  governor,  says,  that  now  you  are  a 
general,  you  can't  be  obliged  to  go  under  Shirley  to 
Niagara ;  and  since  that.  Doctor  Grardner,  another  that 
has  his  ear  much,  told  me  that  you  were  not  obliged  to 
go,  now  you  had  this  promotion,  and  asked  me  if  I 
could  tell  your  determination ;  I  told  him  I  did  n't  know 
that  you  could  be  excused  if  you  desired  it,  and  that 
from  your  advices  to  your  family  you  fully  intended  to 

*  Mrs.  Williams,  of  Rhode  Island,  has  written  an  interesting  tale 
relating  to  the  seizure,  captivity,  and  dispersion  of  the  French  Neu- 
trals, and  Mr.  Longfellow  has  embalmed  their  memory  in  his  beautiful 
poem, "  Evangeline." 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


285 


go;  which  I  thought  was  the  safest  answer  I  could 
make.  However,  I  hope  you  will  fully  weigh  the 
matter,  and  if  you  can,  consistently  with  your  honor, 
excuse  yourself,  that  you  will  do  so.  You  know  that 
when  you  went  to  Louisburg,  though  Mr.  Shirley  tarried 
in  Boston  the  whole  time,  his  friends  endeavored  to  as- 
cribe a  great  deal  to  him,  and  as  he  will  now  be  at  the 
head  of  this  expedition,  distinguish  yourself  as  much  as 
you  will,  he  will  have  the  honor  and  applause.  On  the 
other  hand,  if  you  refuse  to  go,  I  can't  tell  what  con- 
struction your  enemies  will  give  it.  Your  friends 
will  justify  yoiT,  and  all  others  that  consider  it  impar- 
tiaUy." 

Again  he  writes :  "  The  governor  is  yet  here,  (24th,) 
and  some  endeavors  have  been  used  to  bring  the  General 
Court  into  an  address,  to  prevent  his  proceeding,  which 
was  treated  with  the  utmost  sneer,  and  but  one  hand  in 
the  whole  House  for  it.  The  court's  sitting  is  the  only 
reason,  it  ^is  said,  for  his  tarry :  we  desired  a  recess  last 
Saturday;  but  still  we  are  kept,  to  consider  things  over 
again  which  have  been  rejected  by  a  large  majority. 
The  above  affair  was  attempted  last  Saturday  for  a 
second  time,  but  ended  only  in  an  address  to  prompt 
rather  than  prevent  his  going.  I  suppose  you  will  see 
it  in  print.  There  is  a  great  deal  of  talk  in  town  upon 
the  subject,  and  many  conjectures.  I  am  concerned  to 
have  you  fairly  excused  from  the  expedition,  which  it  is 
said  here  you  may  be  if  you  please,  and  it  is  inconsistent, 
as  you  are  a  general  officer,  to  proceed  under  one  of  the 
same  rank.  I  hope  you'll  be  furnished  with  the  safest 
and  best  advice,  and  act  with  all  possible  caution,  for 

upon  any  slip  or  blunder  of  S y,  or  upon  his 

losing  his  popularity,  which  seems  to  be  going  fast,  or 
in  case  of  sickness  or  death,  it  is  easy  to  judge  who  will 


286 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


11 


succeed.     I  could  greatly  enlarge,  but  I  fear  to  venture 
too  much  in  a  letter." 

*  *  •  •  "  Our  friend  Mr.  Gridley  is  now  a  member 
in  the  House  for  Brookline,  and  I  cannot  but  think  that, 
if  you  ever  intend  to  present  another  memorial  to  the 
court  in  respect  of  your  services  at  Louisburg,  some 
time  this  year  will  give  you  the  best  chance." 

*  *  •  *  Again:  "I  cannot  help  questioning  whether 
something  or  other  won't  intervene  to  prevent  the  expe- 
dition you  are  destined  to  proceed  upon,  as  I  have 
hinted  already.  But  time  alone  will  make  us  certain 
as  to  this  matter.  Surely  two  thousand  men  can  never 
be  thought  a  proper  number  to  render  it  barely  probable 
that  we  shall  succeed,  and  our  hero  is  of  too  much  con- 
sequence to  be  put  at  hazard,  on  any  occasion.  A  war 
with  France  may  happen,  and  a  blow  at  the  root  be 
thought  necessary,  instead  of  attacks  upon  the  branches. 
If  I  really  thought  that  the  intended  expedition  to 
Niagara  would  proceed  without  a  very  great  augmen- 
tation, I  should  be  deeply  concerned.  But  this  I  flatter 
myself  will  not  be  the  case. 

*  *  *  *  « It  is  rumored  here  that  Admiral  Boscawen 
was  seen  off  Newfoundland  about  eighteen  days  since, 
and  about  the  same  time  that  a  squadron  of  men-of-war 
and  transports  from  France  was  met.  I  have  a  letter 
which  says  that  war  is  agreed,  on  all  hands,  to  be 
necessary,  and  will  be  declared  as  soon  as  they  hear 
from  America." 

Shirley  ordered  Sir  William  to  take  command  of  the 
eastern  frontier,  which,  residing  as  he  did  in  Maine,  and 
knowing  more  of  its  condition  and  danger  than  any 
other  officer,  was  on  the  whole  a  very  judicious  appoint- 
ment. On  his  arrival  at  Kittery,  he  writes  to  Lord 
Halifax  i;especting  his  regiment :  — 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


287 


(To  the  Honorable  Henry  Fox,  Esquirb.] 

Auffuat  19,  1755. 

Inclosed  I  give  you  the  trouble  of  the  returns  of  my 
regiment,  which  I  now  hope  soon  to  have  completed. 
This  province,  and,  indeed,  the  other  provinces  in  New 
England,,  have  had  such  a  call  for  men  to  fill  the  regi- 
ments employed  at  Nova  Scotia,  Crown  Point,  etc., 
that  it  has  been  extremely  difficult  to  get  men  to  enlist 
in  the  king's  regiment  for  life.  The  inhabitants  of  these 
provinces  are  in  general  quite  averse  to  it,  whilst  no 
people  can  be  more  ready  to  serve  his  Majesty  on  any 
expedition,  provided  they  are  commanded  by  the  officers 
of  their  own  country,  and  can  be  discharged  when  the 
particular  service  they  enlisted  for  is  ended,  and  they 
are  not  held  to  garrison  duties  after  places  are  taken ; 
which,  as  they  have  been  long  inured  to  constant  action 
and  hard  labor,  is  found  to  enfeeble  them,  render  them 
unhealthy  and  unfit  for  further  service,  if  it  do  not 
wholly  destroy  them.  An  army  of  these  North  Ameri- 
cans are,  I  conceive,  the  only  fit  men  to  meet  a  mixed 
army  of  French  and  Indians  in  the  woods ;  at  least,  in 
order  for  success,  the  English  forces  must  consist  in 
some  measure  of  our  New  England  officers  and  men, 
who  are  acquainted  with  their  manner  of  fighting,  and 
can  deal  with  them  in  their  own  way ;  and  I  think  that 
if  General  Braddock  had  had  a  regiment  or  two  of  our 
people  with  him,  under  the  command  of  suitable  officers, 
to  clear  the  woods  of  the  enemy,  he  would  have  marched 
safely  with  his  regular  troops  to  the  Ohio,  and  given  a 
good  account  of  them,  instead  of  meeting  with  so  shock- 
ing a  defeat,  as  you  will  find  related  in  the  inclosed 
print,  to  which  J  beg  leave  to  refer  you.  You  will  find, 
by  comparing  my  former  advices  of  this  ui  happy  event 


288 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


i 


with  what  I  now  send  you,  that  those  were  but  very 
imperfect,  but  they  were  the  most  authentic  that  could 
then  be  had.  You  Ul  pardon  my  transmitting  them,  as 
well  as  the  freedom  I  have  used  in  so  plainly  exhibiting 
my  sentiments,  which  I  could  not,  consistently  with  my 
duty  to  my  king  and  country,  avoid  doing. 

I  hope,  ere  this  reaches  you,  that  suitable  bedding 
will  be  sent  out  for  my  regiment,  to  preserve  it  during 
our  inclement  winter  season,  which  is  extremely  severe 
in  these  parts.  ^  ,  W.  P. 


.'.»'» 


The  frontier  posts  being  garrisoned,  General  Shirley 
returned  from  Oswego  to  Albany,  where  he  received 
from  England  a  commission  ascommander-in-chief  of  his 
Majesty's  forces  in  North  America,  and  thence  he  pro- 
ceeded to  New  York,  and  (December  12)  held  a  council 
of  war  of  the  governors  of  the  colonies  of  Massachusetts, 
New  York,  Maryland,  Pennsylvania,  and  Connecticut, 
those  of  the  other  colonies  failing  to  appear.  It  was 
there  agreed  that  ten  thousand  men  should  be  raised  for 
another  expedition  agaiiiat  Crown  Point,  six  thousand 
for  one  on  Lake  Ontario,  and  three  thousand  for  an 
attack  upon  Fort  DuQuesne ;  and  two  thousand  were 
to  be  sent  up  the  Kennebec  River  to  the  Chaudierd, 
and  descending  to  the  mouth  of  that  river  within  three 
miles  of  Quebec,  were  to  keep  all  that  part  of  Canada 
in  a  state  of  alarm. 

Shirley  returned  thence  to  Albany,  intending  to  prose- 
cute a  winter's  expedition  against  Ticojiui^iv  ga.  But 
frost  and  snow,  necessary  for  transporting  ;v;oi-,>  .ailing 
to  appear,  he  abandoned  the  enterprise,  and  proceeded 
to  Kpston,, where  he  was  received  with  demonstrations 
of  r^'^peci  from  the  military  and  both  branches  of  the 
leei^iaiuve,  Piid  treated  with  an  evening  banquet;  all 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


289 


which  was  made  the  more  ostentatious  from  a  desire 
to  equal  New  York  in  its  honors  conferred  upon  Gen- 
eral Johnson,  b<'^w«'«'n  w  iiom  Rnd  Governor  Shirley  a 
jealous  rivalry  was  «'vid<'ntly  arisi  i^. 

Although  war  imd  exisucl  in  America  two  yc.  -a,  it 
had  not  yet  been  formally  declared  ^v  either  of  o 
home  governments.  But  besides  the  hostile  forces  sei 
by  England,  there  had  also  been  b  'M^y  Trance  the  last 
year,  a  fleet  from  Brest,  with  warlike  prt  parations  to 
Canada,  and  Boscawen  was  sent  afte-  it  with  a  squadron 
to  watch  its  motions,  v^ho  overtook  and  captnred  two 
of  the  vessels,  the  Lys  and  Alcyde  near  ^^ewtVtiindland. 
On  hearing  this,  France  determined  on  aostiiities,  and 
recalled  her  minister  from  London,  and  h  )th  nations 
declared  war.  The  Eari  of  Loudon  wa-  appointed 
commander-in-chief  of  the  British  land  forces  in 
America,  and  until  his  arrival,  Genera!  Abercromby 
was  ordered  to  supersede  Shirley  as  commaiider,  who 
sailed  immediately,  and,  on  his  arrival,  proct  "ded  to 
Albany,  where  the  provincial  troops  were  ash 'mbled,, 
waiting  for  a  commander  until  the  end  of  June. 

In  January,  1756,  the  legislature  of  Massacl  usetts 
was  applied  to  by  Governor  Shirley  for  three  the  isand 
men,  and  on  their  plea  of  poverty,  he  loaned  the  prov- 
ince 30,000  pounds  sterling  out  of  the  king's  money  in 
his  hands.  Early  in  February  he  offered  the  command' 
of  the  troops  which  were  to  operate  against  Crowu 
Point  to  Pepperrell,  by  which  he  aimed  more  effectually 
to  secure  his  strenuous  exertions  in  the  council,  and' 
render  his  own  measures  more  popular  in  the  legislature. 
But  having  accomplished  his  object,  he  revoked  hid 
promise  to  Pepperrell,  and  conferred  the  appointment 
on  General  Winslow,  the  transporter  of  the  French 

25 


I 


i 


I: 


I 


'tils  I 


i::i. 


290 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


Neutrals,  much  to  the  dissatisfaction  of  Pepperrell,  as 
will  presently  appear.  r 

The  provincial  troops  assembled  at  Albany  under 
Winslow  for  the  campaign  of  1756.  They  fell  short  of 
the  number  proposed  to  be  raised,  and  were  probably 
not  sufficient  to  attack  Crown  Point.  But  Abercrombie 
brought  over  two  regiments,  which  with  eight  indepen- 
dent '^^mpanies  raised  by  New  York  and  Carolina, 
constituted  an  adequate  force.  The  combined  army 
under  Lord  Loudon,  after  pressing  every  wagon 
within  thirty  miles  of  Albany  into  public  service,  com- 
menced their  march,  the  provincials  being  in  advance 
under  General  Winslow,  in  order  to  keep  them  sepa- 
rate from  the  regulars,  and  under  their  own  officers. 
But  ere  they  had  reached  their  place  of  destination,  the 
sad  news  arrived  that  Oswego  had  fallen. 

It  appears  that  after  the  death  of  Baron  Dieskau  the 
preceding  year,  M.  Montcalm  took  command  of  the 
Canadian  forces,  and  on  the  10th  of  August 
approached  the  forts  of  Oswego,  on  Lake  On- 
tario, with  5,000  regulars,  Canadians,  and  Indians. 
After  a  gallant  defence,  and  the  death  of  Colonel 
Mercer,  the  American  forces,  —  Shirley's  and  Pepper- 
rell's  regiments,  consisting  of  fourteen  hundred  men, 
capitulated.  Montcalm  destroyed  the  forts,  and  re- 
treated with  the  prisoners  to  Montreal,  taking  also  121 
pieces  of  artillery,  fourteen  mortars,  and  an  immense 
quantity  of  stores  and  ammunition.  ' 

On  this  disastrous  event,  every  plan  of  offensive 
operation  was  immediately  relinquished.  General 
Winslow  was  ordered  not  to  proceed  against  Ticon- 
deroga,  but  to  fortify  his  camp.  General  Webb,  with 
about  fourteen  hundred  men,  was  posted  at  the  great 


1756. 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR   OF  1755. 


291 


carrying  place,  and  Sir  William  Johnson  was  stationed 
at  the  German  flats.  The  proposed  expedition  up  the 
Kennebec,  to  destroy  the  settlements  on  the  Chaudidre, 
resulted  in  a  mere  scouting  party,  which  explored  the 
country.  The  attempt  against  Fort  DuQuesne  was 
not  prosecuted.  Thus  ended  the  campaigns  of  1756 
against  Canada,  —  nothing  gained,  Oswego  lost,  and 
the  country  impoverished. 

General  Shirley  returned  to  his  government  in  Mas- 
sachusetts 9th  of  August,  and  soon  after  issued  orders 
to  the  colonels  of  militia  to  draft  men  from  their  regi- 
ments for  the  frontier.  Sir  William  being  still  com- 
mander of  a  regiment  of  militia,  received  one  among 
the  rest,  and  on  the  31st  of  August  he  writes :  — 


f  1, 


1  "  •■,'"! 

i  :'!   I 


^'^!,."|.!: 


Your  excellency's  warrant  to  draft  ten  men  out  of 
this  regiment,  I  received  this  day,  and  have  sent  war- 
rants to  effect  the  same ;  but  to  have  them  at  hand  by 
the  third  of  September,  I  am  afraid  is  impossible,  but 
nothing  shall  be  wanting  on  my  part.  I  am  grieved 
at  the  loss  of  Oswego,  and  am  afraid  Maine  will 
share  the  same  fate,  more  particularly  the  forts  Halifax 
and  Weston,  (on  the  Kennebec,)  as  the  enemy  has  been 
often  discovered  lurking  about  the  towns,  and  the 
frontier  here  is  of  larger  extent  than  all  the  rest  of 
Massachusetts.  We  used  to  have  hundreds  of  men  to 
assist  us  from  other  counties  in  time  of  war,  but  all 
our  forts  and  marching  scouts  are  now  raised  here,  and 
the  repeated  impresses  have  drove  the  young  men 
away,  and  being  remote  from  any  other  part  of  the 
province  of  Massachusetts,  we  cannot  expect  any  as- 
sistance before  it  may  be  too  late. 

The  regiment  of  militia  in  Maine,  which  has  been 
under  my  command  about  thirty  years,  I  desirie  you 


292 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


H  '-!' 


'   i    ';■■    , 


will  appoint  some  other  person  commander  >of,  and 
excuse,  Sir,  your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble 
servant,  W.  P. 

In  the  last  communication  from  Shirley  to  Pepperrell, 
August  31st,  he  complains  that  officers  in  his  Maine 
regiment  received  fines  from  drafted  men  and  let  them 
oft',  and  orders  him  to  inquire  into  the  matter.  Pepper- 
rell replies :  — 

Pursuant  to  your  order  I  have  made  strict  inquiry 
relating  to  any  fines  being  received  by  any  officers  be- 
longing to  this  regiment  of  militia  from  any  person  or 
persons  impressed  against  Crown  Point,  or  any  other 
expedition,  and  they  solemnly  declare  they  never  re- 
ceived any  thing  whatsoever,  which  I  verily  believe  true, 
for  good  and  satisfactory  reasons ;  for  on  the  expedition 
to  Louisburg  one  third  of  the  army  went  from  Maine, 
since  which  they  have  been  so  harassed  by  guarding 
and  fortifying  their  own  houses,  and  are  reduced  to  a 
degree  of  poverty  so  low  as  to  be  unable  to  pay  a  fine. 
Your  obedient  servant,  W.  P. 

...I  \^h 

Pepperrell  had  long  known  that  Shirley  was  un- 
friendly to  him.  Waldo  had  apprised  him  of  it  in  1748, 
as  did  the  letters  of  Sparhawk.  But  not  a  word  escapes 
him  indicative  of  a  corresponding  feeling  on  his  part, 
until  the  command  promised  him  against  Crown  Point 
was  revoked  in  favor  of  Winslow.  He  was  silent  and 
cautious  until  this  unmistakable  evidence  was  exhibited 
to  the  public  gaze.  After  which,  he  held  little  or 
no  further  intercourse  with  him,  except  on  official 
duties. 

He  wrote  to  Major  Craven :  "  Having  had  the  honor 


DURING  THE   FRENCH   WAR   OP  1755. 


293 


to  be  president  of  his  Majesty's  council  of  this  province 
for  several  years,  I  have  been  much  hurried  on  com- 
mittees to  assist  on  the  expedition  against  Crown  Point. 
I  expected  to  have  been  there  with  my  regiment  within 
a  few  weeks,  as  Governor  Shirley,  ever  since  the  begin- 
ning of  last  month,  told  me  that  I  was  to  take  the  com- 
mand of  the  troops  on  the  expedition  against  Crown 
Point,  and  that  I  should  take  my  regiment  with  me ; 
but  three  days  since  he  sent  me  a  letter  in  which 
he  says  he  could  not  do  it.  I  hope  we  shall  soon  have 
letters  from  London." 

J  r  ,    »    [To  his  Excellency  the  Kight  Honorable  Henry  Fox.] 

*•  ^  '  Kittery,  April  19,  1756. 

I  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  November 
last,  in  which  you  are  pleased  to  let  me  know  that  his 
Majesty  had  been  pleased  to  declare  his  intentions 
of  appointing  you  Secretary  of  State.  I  heartily  con- 
gratulate you.  Sir,  and  sincerely  hope  you  will  be  con- 
tinued for  a  long  time  to  come,  a  great  blessing  to  his 
Majesty  and  to  all  his  dominions. 

I  take  the  liberty  of  letting  you  know  that  early  in 
February  last.  General  Shirley  told  me  that  I  was  to 
have  command  of  the  expedition  against  Crown  Point, 
and  to  have  my  own  regiment  with  me  to  join  the  pro- 
vincial troops.  I  told  him  that  nothing  in  my  power 
should  be  wanting  to  promote  his  Majesty's  interests. 
I  was  likewise  desired  by  some  of  the  leading  men  of 
the  other  governments  to  head  that  expedition.  But  I 
received  a  letter  from  him  dated  the  26th  of  said  Feb- 
ruary, by  his  secretary,  of  which  the  inclosed  is  a  copy, 
by  which  you  will  see  that  he  has  since  appointed  Gen- 
eral Winslow  commander  of  said  army.  I  hope  this 
.,...^.  25* 


m 
f 


i> 


■;    'I!!; 


:i 


1 


i  h 


:i1 


294 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


year's  campaign  will  prove   more  successful  than  the 
last.  With  the  utmost  esteem,  etc.,         W.  P. 

Very  few  would  have  submitted  so  quietly  to  all 
these  slights  and  freaks  of  Governor  Shirley.  In  accom- 
plishing any  ambitious  project  he  could  be  very  gracious. 
In  the  expedition  against  Louisburg,  he  placed  Pepper- 
rell  in  command,  because  the  influence  of  his  popularity 
was  indispensable  in  raising  an  army.  After  he  had 
tendered  the  command  of  the  expedition  to  Pepperrell, 
and  prevailed  on  him  with  repeated  solicitation  to 
accept  it,  he  wrote  to  Warren,  then  in  the  West  Indies, 
asking  him  to  send  assistance,  "'^ying,  "  if  the  service  in 
v/hich  you  are  engaged  would  permit  you  to  come  your- 
self and  take  vpon  you  the  command  of  the  expedition,  it 
would  be,  I  doubt  not,  a  most  happy  event  for  his 
Majesty's  service."  This  message  was  unknown  to 
Pepperrell  until  Warren,  by  way  of  enforcing  his  own 
plan  of  operations  upon  Pepperrell  at  Louisbarg,  who 
thought  them  not  feasible,  disclosed  it  to  him,  adding, 
however,  "  I  do  not  mention  this  from  any  desire  of 
command,  because  I  think  it  impossible  to  do  one's 
duty  well  in  two  capacities,  both  by  sea  and  land." 

In  his  letter  to  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  and  after  he 
had  surveyed  the  premises  at  Louisburg  and  collected 
accurate  information  on  the  spot  from  all  reliable 
sources,  Shirley  compliments  the  provincial  troops  in 
unmeasured  terms,  and  also  Commodore  Warren,  but 
of  Peppenrell's  faithful  services,  althougn  he  had  done 
all  that  a  vigilant  and  intrepid  commander  could  do, 
and  had  advanced  a  large  sum  out  of  his  own  fortune 
to  carry  on  the  expedition,  and  received  but  partial 
remuneration  for  his   services  and  sacrifices,  he  says 


DURINa  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


295 


nothing  complimentary.  It  is  doubtful  if  a  parallel 
case  can  be  found,  where  a  commander-in-chief,  as 
Shirley  was,  treated  the  executive  officer,  after  a  suc- 
cessful battle  or  siege,  so  indifferently.       >.        i 

Again,  when  Shirley  wanted  the  influence  of  Pep- 
perrell  to  assist  as  president  of  the  council  in  raising 
troops  for  the  Crown  Point  expedition,  he  promised 
him  the  C3mmand  of  it  early  in  February,  and  having 
gained  his  object  he  transferred  the  promised  honor  to 
General  Winslow. 

Pepperrell  writes  to  Captain  Peter  Kenwood,  "  Gov- 
ernor Shirley  would  not  let  me  go  against  the  French 
last  year  and  this,  and  now  I  think  I  am  too  old. 
Affairs  here  have  been  managed  but  poorly,  and  now 
we  are  in  miserable  circumstances,  and  have  lost  many 
of  our  young  men  and  our  strength. 

"  Things  have  looked  dark  in  America.  We  have 
done  nothing  here  against  the  French  for  two  or  three 
years  past ;  we  have  lost  Oswego,  but  it  is  to  be 
observed  that  there  was  no  American  officer  in  com- 
miand  there." 

But  Shirley's  popularity  and  influence  had,  early  in 
the  spring,  reached  their  culminating  point.  He  had 
lost  popular  favor  in  the  provinces  three  years  before,  by 
marrying,  at  the  age  of  sixty,  a  young  French  girl  in 
Paris  of  the  Catholic  faith,  but  he  was  now  losing 
public  confidence  with  government.  William  Tyler 
writes  to  Pepperrell  in  June,  from  Boston,  that  it  was 
the  general  opinion  that  the  governor  is  in  disgrace  at 
home.  "  You  will  see  by  the  paper  that  he  has  the 
thanks  of  his  Majesty  for  his  good  services,  but  it  was 
soon  after  the  battle  of  Lake  George,  (by  Johnson  and 
Lyman,)  and  not  after  his  services  at  Oswego.  Lord 
Loudon  is    by  this  time   arrived,  as  several   vessels 


if  I 

iJM 


.ij; 


■'■ul 


296 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


r 


u'  ' 


'i-l 


arrived  at  Rhode  Island,  saw  the  fleet  off."  Shirley 
received  his  recall  in  a  letter  from  Mr.  Fox,  secretary  of 
State,  early  in  July,  acquainting  him  that  his  presence 
in  England  was  deemed  necessary  to  his  Majesty's 
service,  as  he  was  able  to  give  much  information  rela- 
tive to  the  state  of  affairs  in  America,  and  that  a  frigate 
was  ordered  to  convey  him.* 

On  his  return  to  Kittery,  at  the  close  of  the  session, 
Sir  William  received  a  letter  from  his  old  friend  and  his 
father's  friend.  Governor  Belcher  of  New  Jersey,  by  the 
son  of  Colonel  Burr  of  General  Wolcott's  regiment  at 
Louisburg,  and  father  of  Colonel  Aaron  Burr,  after- 
wards vice-president  of  the  United  Stales,  and  returned 
him  the  following  answer :  — 

[To  his  Excellency  Jonathan  Belcher.]        '''''  "' 

Dear  Sir, —  I  am  honored  with  your  Excellency's 
letter  of  April  17,  by  the  hands  of  the  reverend  and 
worthy  Mr.  Burr.  I  can  truly  say  that  it  fills  my  heart 
with  joy  to  hear  that  your  useful  life  is  preserved,  and 
hope  it  will  continue  many  years. 

I  observe  what  you  are  pleased  to  write  relating  to 
New  Jersey  college.  My  lot  is  cast  in  a  place  where 
the  people  are  very  poor  and  much  exposed  to  the 
enemy,  learning  is  greatly  neglected,  and  all  around  me 
are  numbers  that  are   in   need  of  charity.     But  your 

*He  was  not  sent  back  to  New  England  either  as  governor  or 
general,  but  was  appointed  governor  of  one  of  the  Bahama  islands, 
and  his  son  succeeded  to  the  office.  He  returned  to  Roxbury  and 
died  at  his  seat  March  24,  1771,  and  was  buried  in  King's  Chapel 
with  public  honors.  He  left;  no  property.  He  was  educated  at 
Edinburgh  University,  read  law,  was  an  elegant  writer.  Beside 
State  papers,  he  published,  in  1 765,  a  tragedy,  and  Birth  of  Hercules, 
a  masque. 


i\ 


DURING  THB  FRENCH  WAR  OP  1755. 


297 


desire  has  ever  been  regarded  as  a  command  to  me,  and 
can  I  now  refuse  my  old  and  most  valued  friend  ?  No, 
I  have  done  as  you  desired. 

My  dear  and  valued  pastor  Mr.  Stevens,  and  myself 
talk  of  paying  you  a  visit.* 

I  sincerely  wish  the  best  of  blessings  on  you  and 
yours,  and  am,  with  best  respects  to  yourself  and  lady, 
dear  Sir,  etc.,  etc.,  v  m      .  W.  P. 

Sir  William  'w  rites  to  his  friend  Kilby,  March,  1757 : 
"  I  am  hurried  in  raising  men  for  the  provincial  army 
under  my  Lord  Loudon,  and  they  will  not  let  me  be 
clear  from  the  command  of  the  militia  in  Maine,  which 
gives  me  much  trouble,  considering  I  cannot  be  so  active 
as  I  was  formerly."  From  Kittery  he  writes,  in  June,  to 
the  council  in  Boston,  that  since  his  arrival  he  had 
endeavored  to  put  that  part  of  the  province  in  as  defen- 
sible a  state  against  the  enemy  as  was  in  his  power, 
and  had  given  orders  to  Colonel  Gushing,  "if  there 
should  appear  five  or  more  ships  on  the  coast  of  Maine 
at  one  and  the  same  time,  to  send  me  an  express  imme- 
diately." 

After  General  Shirley  had  embarked  for  London,  on 
the  12th  of  September,  1756,  the  government  devolved 
on  Lieutenant-Governor  Phipps.  By  the  death  of 
Phipps,  which  occurred  the  March  following,  the  gov- 
ernment was  administered  by  the  council,  of  which  Sir 
William  was  president  and  de  facto  governor,  until  the 
arrival  of  Governor  Pownall.  Sir  William  was  ap- 
pointed, by  the  council,  commander  of  Castle  William 
in  Boston  harbor,  and  of  the  whole  military  forces  of 


Rjlt 


.:    !    II 

■iiif 
;l  m 


:■!'!'■ 


i  M 
■ill 


.  .1.      I  I 


■■'  ':^::i:' 


♦Governor  Belcher  died  the  following  year,  August,  1757,  at 
EHzabethtown,  aged  seventy-six. 


i-il'^i' 


298 


LIFE  OF  SIR   WILLIAM  PEPP^RRELL. 


Massachusetts,  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-general—- 
offices  of  great  honor  and  trust  in  time  of  war. 

Governor  Pownall  on  his  arrival,  August  3,  i''57, 
was  received  with  numerous  and  flattering  addresses. 
In  a  few  days  he  performed  the  ceremony  of  taking 
possession  of  Castle  William.  When  Sir  William  pre- 
sented the  keys,  he  observed  that  that  fortress  was  the 
key  of  the  province,  which  gave  the  governor  an  agree- 
able opportunity  of  complimenting  the  conqueror  of 
Louisburg.  "  The  interest  of  the  province,"  he  replied, 
"  is  in  your  heart ;  I  shall  therefore  be  always  glad  to 
see  the  keys  of  it  in  your  hands." 

The  plan  of  the  campaign  proposed  in  1757  by  Lou- 
don, and  assented  to  by  the  military  council  at  Boston, 
was  limited  to  the  defence  of  the  frontiers,  and  an  expe- 
dition against  Louisburg.  Instead  of  sailing  there  as 
Pepperrell  did  early  in  the  spring,  Loudon's  embarca- 
tion,  with  six  thousand  regulars,  was  delayed  till  the 
9th  of  July,  and  at  Halifax  he  was  joined  by  a  fleet 
from  Great  Britain  of  eleven  sail  of  the  line,  under 
Admiral  Holburn,  having  on  board  and  in  transports 
six  thousand  additional  soldiers.  Here  he  lingered  with 
his  usual  indecision,  giving  further  time  for  the  French 
at  Louisburg  to  receive  an  additional  force  of  seventeen 
ships  of  the  line,  which  gave  them  a  decided  superiority. 
The  pusillanimous  Loudon  then  set  sail  for  New 
York. 

During  his  absence  on  this  futile  expedition  against 
Louisburg,  Montcalm  seized  the  favorable  moment  to 
concentrate  his  forces,  amounting  to  eight  thousand 
French  and  Indians,  at  Montreal,  and  to  ascend  Lake 
George  and  land  at  its  southern  extremity,  to  besiege 
Fort  William  Henry.  Colonel  Monroe,  the  officer 
commanding  the  fort,  had  a  garrison  of  two  thousand 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


299 


men.  The  imbecile  Webb  was  encamped  at  Fort 
Edward,  only  fourteen  miles  distant,  with  f  -  thou- 
sand troops,  and  might  have  summoned  the  militia 
from  all  the  neighboring  villages  to  the  rescue,  but  he 
sent  nothing  to  Fort  William  Henry  save  a  letter,  giv- 
ing an  exaggerated  account  of  the  French  force,  and 
advising  to  capitulate.  Montcalm  intercepted  the  letter, 
which  he  immediately  forwarded  to  Monroe.  Yet  not 
till  many  of  his  guns  were  burst  and  his  ammunition 
exhausted,  did  Monroe  surrender.  The  terms  of  capit- 
ulation were,  that  the  garrison  should  march  out  with 
the  honors  of  war,  and  were  to  be  protected  as  far  as 
Fort  Edward.  But  Montcalm's  Indian  allies,  dissatis- 
fied with  the  terms,  and  greedy  for  plunder,  fell  upon 
the  retreating  and  disarmed  troops.  Monroe,  with  a 
greater  part  of  the  men,  fell  back  to  the  French  camp 
for  protection.  About  six  hundred  fled  into  the  woods, 
and  the  first  who  reached  Fort  Edward  reported  the 
massacre  of  the  others.  Some  few  were  killed  or  never 
heard  of;  the  rest  came  in  one  after  another,  many  of 
them  having  lost  their  way  and  suff*ered  extreme  hard- 
ships. .  '  > 

General  Webb,  who  had  remained  idle  when  he 
should  have  marched  forward  to  the  relief  of  Fort  Wil- 
liam Henry,  was  panic  struck,  and  thought  only  of 
retreat.  Captain  Christie,  who  commanded  at  Albany, 
partook  of  the  trepidation,  and  wrote  to  the  governors 
of  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts  a  doleful  appeal. 
"For  God's  sake  exert  yourselves  to  save  a  sinking 
province ;  New  York  itself  may  fall ;  save  a  country ; 
prevent  the  downfall  of  the  British  government  upon 
this  continent."  With  such  an  appeal  Massachusetts 
awoke  and  bestirred  herself,  as  if  roused  by  a  midnight 
fire  bell.     The  council  w^as  in  session,  and  in  the  gen- 


liii. 


'I* 


:       ■  <('    il 


,  *"■=■'!■'■ 


i.tSi'll 


\( 


800 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


eral  consternation  all  eyes  were  turned  to  the  victor 
of  Loui^burg  to  lead  them  to  the  field  of  battle ;  and 
the  governor  gave  him  the  supreme  command  of  all  the 
forces  of  the  province.  •• 


[To  Sir  William  Peppcrrcll,  Baronet,  mnjor-gcncral  of  his  Majesty's 
forces,  and  lieutenant-general  of  this  province.] 

Augitst  8,  1757. 

You  will  repair  to  Springfield  or  any  other  part  of 
the  frontiers  of  the  province,  and  there  collect  forces 
now  to  be  raised  for  the  immediate  defence  of  the 
country. 

August  10.  —  Send  off  all  the  men  you  can  possibly 
induce  to  go,  on  horseback,  and  cooperate  with  Sii  John 
Sinclair. 

Again.  Since  I  wrote  you  in  the  morning,  the  coun- 
cil have  advised  me  to  order  up  to  the  western  frontiers 
one  fourth  part  of  each  regiment  in  the  province,  ex- 
cepting those  in  Maine,  Nantucket,  and  Dukes  county ; 
and  I  have  issued  my  orders  accordingl".  The  council 
have  likewise  advised  the  forming  a  train  of  artillery  of 
ejght  pieces  of  cannon  under  proper  officers,  which  I 
shall  put  in  execution,  and  send  thither  also  as  fast  as 
possible ;  and  I  desire  that  you  would  advise  Captain 
Christie,  at  Albany,  what  I  am  doing,  and  that  you 
would  give  the  necessary  orders  for  provisions  for  the 
people. 

Again,  same  day.  I  must  desire  you  wil'  form  a 
magazine  at  Springfield,  and  if  the  enemy  should 
approach  our  frontiers  you  will  order  all  wagons  west 
of  Connecticut  River  to  have  their  wheels  knocked  off, 
and  to  drive  away  all  horses,  and  to  order  in  all  pro- 
visions that  can  be  brought  off,  and  what  cannot,  to  de- 
stroy. Your  most  obedient  servant, 

T.  POWNALL. 


Il-' 


DURINO  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  171 


30 


victor 

e;  and 

all  the 


Majesty's 

1757.      ' 
part  of 
•t  forces 
J  of  the 

possibly 
Sii  John 

;he  coun- 
frontiers 
ince,  ex- 
county; 

council 
tillery  of 
which  I 
ls  fast  as 

Captain 
that  you 
8  for  the 

form  a 
ly  should 
rons  west 
)cked  off, 
all  pro- 
^ot,  to  de- 

)WNALL. 


(Sir  WilUnm  writeii  to  Captain  Christie.] 

Sprinfifield,  Awgurt  13,  1757. 

Sir,  —  When  I  came  here  from  Boston  by  his  Excel- 
lency Governor  Pownall's  direction,  in  order  more 
effectually  to  forward  the  several  regiments  of  militia 
that  should  be  necessary  for  the  relief  of  the  garrison 
at  Fort  William  Henry,  etc.,  I  found  Colonel  Worth- 
ington.  Colonel  Williams,  and  Colonel  Ruggles'  regi- 
ments were  all  marched  forward  for  that  purpose,  and 
some  of  them  even  before  the  governor  could  get  orders 
to  them  to  proceed.  Such  was  his  Excellency's  care  to 
send,  and  such  the  readiness  of  these  people  to  go  to 
the  assistance  of  the  distressed  in  this  most  important 
situation  of  his  Majesty's  affairs  above  you,  that  in 
truth  this  part  of  the  province  seems  almost  deserted, 
and  should  an  enemy  now  attack  them,  its  frontier  on 
the  north  is  left  in  a  most  dangerous  condition,  the 
whole  militia  near,  or  within  forty  or  fifty  miles,  being 
drawn  off  for  the  relief  of  the  garrisons  on  Hudson's 
Riyer.  Colonel  Chandler's  regiment  arrived  here  last 
night  having  travelled,  most  of  them,  fifty  miles,  and  the 
very  heavy  rains  yesterday  so  hurt  their  bread  that  I  was 
obliged  to  order  a  new  supply  to  be  baked  for  them 
here,  which,  in  their  great  haste,  they  received  even  be- 
fore it  was  cold.  I  shall  forward  them  all  as  fast  as 
possible  after  the  other  three  regiments,  most  of  whom  I 
hope  are  by  this  time  at  Fort  Edward,  or  very  near  it. 
As  they  marched  with  the  greatest  freedom  and  alacrity 
and  in  great  numbers,  although  with  serious  detriment 
to  their  private  affairs,  I  trust  the  same  good  disposition 
will  continue  and  engage  them  to  hasten  with  all  possi- 
ble expedition ;  and  I  wish  they  may  be  the  instruments 
of  some  real  service.    As  soon  as  I  have  sent  forward 


i    '!;■:; 


if 


:f    I 


ii'.    f| 


302 


LIFE  OF  SIR   WILLIAM   PfiPPERRELL. 


all  the  men  that  are  ordered  up  from  this  province,  I 
purpot^c  myself  to  follow  after  them  as  fast  as  possible 
that  I  may  do  every  thing  i.i  my  power  to  repel  this 
threatening  force  and  promote  the  general  service. 

W.  P. 

[Governor  Pownnll  to  Sir  William  Peppcrroll.] 

Boston,  August  14,  12  o'clock,  M. 

Sir, —  You  will,  before  this  express  arrives,  receive 
an  account  that  I  have  ordered  up  all  the  troop  of  horse 
and  a  fourth  part  of  the  militia  to  put  themselves  under 
your  command.  This  will  not  only  enable  you  to 
secure  the  frontiers,  but  send  ofT  such  further  reinforce- 
ments as  shall  be  necessary.  Governor  Wentworth 
having  written  me  that  he  had  two  hundred  men  ready 
to  send  off,  I  have  desired  him  to  send  a  reinforcement 
to  number  four.  I  am  forming  a  train  of  eight  pieces 
of  cannon  which  I  shall  forward  as  soon  as  completed. 

T.  P. 

[To  Captain  Christie] 

Sir,  —  I  herewith  send  you  a  copy  of  his  Excellency's 
letter  to  me  of  the  13th  of  this  month,  by  which  you 
will  perceive  what  sense  the  governor*s  council  of  this 
province  have  of  the  importance  of  supporting  Fort 
Edward  against  an  attack  of  the  enemy,  and  prevent- 
ing their  further  penetrating  into  the  country,  after  their 
success  in  the  reduction  of  Fort  William  Henry.  As 
it  seems  by  some  intelligence  General  Webb  has  ob- 
tained, there  is  no  probability  that  the  enemy  will 
proceed  further,  and  as  the  execution  of  these  orders  of 
the  governor  will  subject  this  province  to  an  immense 
expense,  and  also  prevent  the  ingathering  of  the  harvest 
to  the  unspeakable  damage  of  the  people,  it  is  of  the 
utmost  importance,  therefore,  that  these  people  should 


DTTRINQ  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OP  1755. 


303 


P. 


be  ordereil  to  «top,  if  they  are  not  greatly  needed,  which, 
by  the  co|)y  of  General  Webb's  letter  to  Governor  De- 
Lancy,  and  by  the  return  of  some  of  the  regiment  by 
Governor  DeLancy's  countenance  and  advice,  I  am 
ready  to  conclude  is  the  case.  If,  therefore,  the  enemy 
are  drawn  off,  I  hope  you  will  immediately  give  me  the 
most  speedy  advice,  in  order  that  while  we  are  unhap- 
pily subjected  to  so  much  necessary  expense,  we  may 
endeavor  as  much  as  possible  to  prevent  that  which  is 
needless. 

I  perceive,  Sir,  that  while  those  troops  are  returned 
which  went  last  into  the  province  of  New  York,  those 
whose  early  zeal  carried  them  as  volunteers  to  Fort 
Edward  for  the  relief  of  the  garrison  are  detained,  on 
which  I  beg  you  to  consider  that  being  foremost  in  their 
attempts  to  relieve  the  distresses  of  your  forts,  they  are 
thereby  subjected  to  a  longer  absence  from  their  families 
and  harvests  than  the  rest,  and  that,  too,  without  their 
consent ;  that  it  will  most  effectually  discourage  any  of 
our  people  from  displaying  a  like  laudable  zeal  and 
readiness  for  such  a  voluntary  service,  should  there  be 
a  Dke  unhappy  occasion  for  it  hereafter,  and  will  there- 
fore, not  only  greatly  disoblige  the  persons  detained,  but 
raise  the  resentment  and  uneasiness  of  multitudes  of 
others,  whose  voluntary  service  may  possibly  be  of  great 
importance  in  some  critical  moment  yet  to  come. 
I  am.  Sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

Wm.  Pepperrell. 


»i  ;•,! 


kit'i: 


He  also  addresses  a  line  to  Governor  Pownall :  — 


Springfield,  August  15, 1757. 

Sir,  —  Your  Excellency's  favor  of  the  13th  instant  I 
received.    Last   Saturday  morning  the  remainder  of 


304 


LIFE  OP   SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


Colonel  Chandler's  regiment  went  over  this  river  to 
hasten  to  Fort  Edward,  and  my  design  was  to  follow 
them  and  to  hasten  theni  forward ;  but  finding  that  the 
enemy  did  not  intend  to  come  down  lower  than  Fort 
"William  Henry,  I  could  not  see  any  good  it  would 


answer. 


W.  P. 


On  receiving  this,  the  governor  writes :  "  I  beg.  Sir 
William,  you  will  in  due  form  give  my  thanks  to  the 
gallant  officers  and  men  who  have  on  this  occasion  so 
cheerfully  turned  out  to  serve  their  country.  I  shall 
always  retain  a  very  high  esteem  and  honor  for  them, 
and  do  every  thing  that  falls  within  my  power  to  make 
them  amends  for  their  fatigues  and  privations."  Thus 
ended  the  panic  occasioned  in  Massachusetts  and  Con- 
necticut by  the  letter  from  the  terrified  Captain  Christie. 
The  commotion  was  so  fruitless  in  its  results,  that 
history  makes  but  slight  allusion  to  it,  and  it  would 
have  been  passed  over  on  the  present  occasion,  but  for 
the  evidence  it  affords  of  the  confidence  felt  by  the 
government  and  people  in  Sir  William  Pepperrell  as  a 
military  leader  in  times  of  public  danger. 

Admiral  Knowles,  who  succeeded  Warren  as  gov- 
ernoir  of  Cape  Breton,  and  made  such  a  disturbance  in 
Boston  by  impressing  seamen,  and  afterwards  corre- 
sponded so  frequently  with  Sir  William,  we  hear 
nothing  further  of,  though  it  is  probable  that  other 
letters  passed  between  them  until  December,  1757, 
when  Sir  William  wrote  him  as  follows :  — 

Not  only  myself,  but  the  greater  part  of  these 
colonies,  were  in  great  hopes  of  seeing  you  here  last 
summer. 

Last  year,  Christopher  Tyler,  son  of  my  widowed 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR   OF   1755. 


305 


l':.«lJ 


iver  to 

follow 
tiat  the 
in  Fort 

would 
V.  P. 

beg,  Sir 
5  to  the 
ision  so 
I  shall 
or  them, 
to  make 
"     Thus 
ind  Con- 
[  Christie, 
alts,  that 
it  would 
1,  but  for 
It  by  the 
errell  as  a 

i  as  gov- 
rbance  in 
rds  corre- 
we  hear 
;hat  other 
jer,  1757, 


of   these 
here  last 

widowed 


sister,  has  been  mate  of  several  vessels,  and  the  ship 
he  went  mate  of  last  to  London,  was  sold  there,  and  as 
he  came  a  passenger  in  a  vessel  to  Boston,  Captain 
Washing  Shirley,  commander  of  his  Majesty's  ship 
Mermaid,  impressed  him,  and  he  is  still  on  board  said 
ship.  My  request  to  you  is,  that  if  you  should  meet 
with  him,  you  will  be  pleased  to  prefer  him  according 
to  his  merits,  which  I  shall  always  acknowledge,  with 
the  several  other  favors  received  from  you.  I  sincerely 
wish  you  the  best  of  blessings,  and  am,  with  the  utmost 
esteem,  honored  Sir,  your  faithful  and  most  obedient 
servant,       »  W*  P* 

Early  in  175S  the  British  ministry  was  changed. 
William  Pitt  was  appointed  Secretary  of  State,  and  the 
Duke  of  Newcastle,  whose  administration  and  disas- 
trous campaigns  in  America  dipleased  the  nation, 
superintended  domestic  affairs  only,  whilst  Pitt  assumed 
the  control  of  colonial  concerns,  and  the  entire  manage- 
ment of  the  war.  Loudon,  who  had  accomplished 
nothing,  and  exhibited  on  all  occasions  an  entire  unfit- 
ness for  colonial  warfare,  was  ordered  home.  His  cha- 
grin must  have  equalled  Shirley's,  who  when  recalled 
had  gained  no  victory,  had  been  charged  with  tardiness 
in  the  attempt  against  Niagara,  in  1755,  which  com- 
pelled him  to  stop  and  encamp  till  another  season  at 
Oswego,  and  the  subsequent  loss  at  that  place  of  his 
own  and  Pepperrell's  regiment,  with  a  large  armament. 
It  was,  however,  a  matter  of  dispute  and  recrimination 
between  him  and  Loudon,  which  of  the  two  was  most 
in  fault.  But  be  this  as  it  may,  all  the  British  generals 
were  blamed.  Braddock  was  killed,  and  Webb,  Lou- 
don, Shirley,  and  soon  after,  Abercrombie,  were  ordered 
home,  for  their  imbecility  or  unfitness. 

26* 


•fii'M 


:l   '.'^':  M 


iii! 


u 


306 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


't  I 


,1  I  ( 


At  this  time, "  the  English,"  says  Bancroft,  the  ac- 
complished historian, "  had  been  driven  from  every  cabin 
in  the  basin  of  the  Ohio;  Montcalm  had  destroyed 
every  vestige  of  their  power  in  that  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence. France  had  her  posts  on  each  side  of  the 
Lakes,  and  at  Detroit,  at  Mackinaw,  at  Kaskaskia,  and 
at  New  Orleans.  The  two  great  valleys  of  the  Missis- 
sippi and  the  St.  Lawrence  were  connected  chiefly  by 
three  well-known  routes,  —  by  way  of  Waterford  to 
Fort  DuQuesne,  by  way  of  the  Maumee  to  the  Wa- 
bash, and  by  way  of  Chicago  to  the  Illinois.  Of  the 
North  American  continent,  the  French  claimed,  and 
seemed  to  possess,  twenty  parts  in  twenty-five,  leaving 
four  only  to  Spain,  and  but  one  to  Britain.  The  terri- 
tory exceeded  that  of  the  English  twenty  fold.  As  the 
men  composing  the  garrison  at  Fort  Loudon,  in  Ten- 
nessee, were  but  so  many  hostages  in  the  hands  of  the 
Cherokees,  the  claim  of  France  to  the  valleys  of  the 
Mississippi  and  the  St.  Lawrence  seemed  established 
by  possession."  "America  and  England  were  humil- 
iated." * 

Sir  William  writes,  February  7,  1758,  to  his  old 
friend.  Sir  Peter  Kenwood,  M.  P* :  "I  have  not  been 
upon  any  campaign  yet,  as  we  had  no  governor  here 
until  lately,  and  Lieutenant-Governor  Phipps  dying, 
and  apprehending  a  visit  from  the  French,  the  whole 
council  desired  me  to  take  command  of  the  castle  and 
all  the  militia  of  the  province,  so  that  considerable  part 
of  last  year  I  spent  my  time  and  estate  in  visiting  the 
frontiers,  and  getting  the  militia  ready  for  action.  I  am 
allowed  nothing  for  my  time  and  expenses,  neither  have 
I  had  another  opportunity  to  thrash  the  French,  which 


♦  Bancroa,  Vol.  IV.  p.  267.      \ 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OP  1755. 


307 


I  should  like  to  have  done.  But  as  I  grow  old,  it  is 
time  for  me  to  retire  from  the  field.  I  never  have  been 
consulted,  nor  has  my  advice  been  asked  by  Governor 
Shirley  nor  any  of  the  commanding  officers  during  this 
war ;  so  I  chose  to  be  silent. 

"  Last  August  I  was  ai  Boston,  when  Governor 
Pownall  heard  that  Fort  William  Henry  was  besieged 
by  the  French  and  Indians.  He  desired  me  to  proceed 
to  Springfield,  one  hundred  miles  from  Boston,  there  to 
give  out  orders  to  the  militia.  In  less  than  three  days 
I  arrived  there  from  Boston,  where  I  heard  that  said  fort 
was  surrendered  to  the  French.  Some  say,  that  had 
General  Webb  gone  with  what  men  could  have  been 
spared  from  Fort  Edward,  which  is  fourteen  miles 
nearer  Albany  than  Fort  William  Henry,  he  might  have 
raised  the  siege  and  driven  the  enemy.  When  I  was  at 
Springfield,  an  express  brought  me  intelligence  that  they 
expected  the  enemy  to  march  down  to  Fort  Edward,  to 
lay  siege  to  it,  as  they  had  done  to  Fort  William  Henry. 
This  gave  me  pleasure,  as  I  had  five  or  six  thousand 
soldiers  in  arms.  I  immediately  procured  provisions 
for  them,  and  was  determined  to  march,  and  to  have  got 
between  them  and  the  lake,  and  given  them  battle, 
but  to  my  great  mortification,  another  express  arrived 
as  we  were  setting  out,  and  gave  account  that  they  had 
demolished  Fort  William  Henry,  and  shipped  off  the 
stores,  etc.,  and  were  retreating.  I  then  found  that  as 
we  had  no  vessels  to  follow  them,  it  would  answer  no 

purpose  to  proceed The  officers  of   the  army 

have  not  shown  me  due  respect.  It  is  true  I  am 
unacquainted  with  the  regular  service,  though  I  was 
born  on  the  frontiers,  and  when  young  had  a  c  j-mmis- 
sion  in  Queen  Anne's  war.     I  have  greatly  im^^nired 


M 


irii'' 


Is  'I 


t 


ti  :"■.!; 


ti'lil'l  ■■'■  I 

'Nil 

8  i\ii 


i 


308 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


my  private  fortune  by  ever  being  employed  in  the 
public  service." 

The  cursory  reader  might  infer  that  this  complaint  of 
neglect  from  Shirley  and  the  British  generals,  proceeded 
from  wounded  pride  alone,  but  in  reality  it  originated 
more  in  a  desire  to  exonerate  himself  from  the  charge 
of  participating  in  the  late  unwise  counsels  that  had 
proved  disastrous  to  the  British  arms  in  Americq,.  He 
felt  that  the  errors  of  others,  to  which  he  had  in  no  way 
contributed,  should  be  borne  by  them  in  England,  and 
not  ascribed  to  him,  who  had  not  been  deemed  worthy 
of  being  consulted  by  the  commanders. 

All  history  condemns  the  course  of  Braddock  in 
refusing  to  listen  to  the  counsels  of  young  Washington, 
and  Shirley,  Loudon,  Webb,  and  subsequently,  as 
will  appear,  Abercrombie,  who  deemed  it  beneath  their 
dignity  to  call  Pepperrell  in  council,  proved  themselves 
incompetent  to  command,  and  were  ordered  home, 
while  Pepperrell  retained  the  confidence  and  esteem  of 
both  crown  and  people. 

Abercrombie,  on  his  arrival,  found  the  colonies  more 
ready  to  raise'  men  and  supplies  than  in  any  former 
year.  Pitt  had  given  assurance  that  they  should  be 
reimbursed,  and  that  all  officers  below  colonel  should 
be  ranked  as  equals  with  officers  of  the  same  grade  in 
the  British  army.  This  stimulated  to  extraordinary 
exertions.  Massachusetts  alone  furnished  7,000  men. 
Taxea  were  enormous.  Individual  merchants  in  Boston 
paid  to  the  amount  of  two  thousand  dollars,  and  the 
tax  on  real  estate  amounted  to  two  thirds  of  the  in- 
come, and  produced  numerous  bankruptcies. 

The  other  colonies,  beside  Massachusetts,  made 
strenuous  exertions  to  meet  the  expectations  of  Mr. 


<■  '  i 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


309 


Pitt.  Connecticut  raised  5,000  men ;  Rhode  Island 
and  New  Hampshire,  500  each.  Large  reinforcements 
were  sent  from  England,  making  in  all  an  army  of 
50,000  men,  the  largest  number  ever  mustered  in 
America,  and  greater  than  the  whole  population  in 
Canada.  Twenty-two  thousand  of  these  were  British 
regulars.  ^^ 


.  t. 


•i        •r'i        Ml--.- 


•  V 

-   r^h.  ;.•■; 

^■ 

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Kt_  >. 

•tm  -^.ti.u.'^ii. 

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l(-r'!:-:.:iii    •■i.    ;,     . 

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III 


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310 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERBELL. 


>  r 


:>  \' 


CHAPTER  XV. 


,!{' 


The  plan  of  the  campaign  for  1758  was  similar  to 
that  adopted  by  Shirley  in  1756.  It  was  proposed  to 
attack  Louisburg,  Ticonderoga,  and  Fort  DuQuesne, 
(now  Pittsburg).     The  first  onset  was  upon  Louisburg. 

Lord  Amherst  sailed  for  Louisburg  from  Halifax,  in 
the  fleet  commanded  by  Admiral  Boscawen,  on  the 
28th  of  May,  and  arrived  in  Cabarus  Bay  June  2d. 
Prevented  from  landing  by  a  heavy  surf  until  the  8th, 
the  brave  General  Wolfe  then  led  the  army  in  three 
divisions  of  boats  to  nearly  the  same  place  where 
Pepperrell's  army  landed.  The  enemy  were  arrayed 
along  the  shore,  and  after  making  some  resistance,  fled 
to  the  city.  The  British  lost,  in  killed  or  drowned,  forty- 
three  regulars  and  six  provincials,  and  the  French  lost 
two  lieutenants  killed,  and  seventy  prisoners.  Two  large 
guns,  and  thirty-two  small  ones,  planted  along  the  shore, 
were  taken,  with  their  ammunition.  The  French  de- 
stroyed the  grand  battery,  and  called  in  their  outposts. 
General  Wolfe,  with  eighteen  hundred  men,  marched 
around  Green  Hill  and  the  north-east  harbor,  to  the 
light-house,  which  the  enemjr"  deserted,  destroying  their 
cannon.  A  road  was  now  made  over  the  morass 
through  which  Pepperrell  had  dragged  his  cannon ;  this 
occupied  several  days.  A  French  frigate,  in  attempting 
to  escape  in  the  night  for  Quebec,  was  captured.  The 
smallpox  broke  out  among  the  108  provincial  carpenters 
under  Colonel  Meserve,  (who  had  been  there  with  Pep- 
perrell,) and  he,  his  son,  and  nearly  half  the  others,  died. 


L_ 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OP  1755. 


311 


On  the  29th,  the  French  sunk  four  ships,  of  from  twenty 
to  sixty  guns  each,  in  the  harbor's  mouth,  to  obstruct  the 
entrance.  Batteries  were  erected  on  Green  Hill,  back  of 
the  grand  battery,  and  fascine  batteries,  as  in  the  former 
siege.  The  light-house  battery  silenced  the  island 
battery.  On  July  25th,  the  admiral  sent  in  six  hundred 
men  in  the  night,  to  destroy  the  two  remaining  ships  of 
the  line,  who  burnt  the  Prudent,  a  seventy-four,  and 
towed  off  the  Bienfaisant,  a  sixty-four,  to  the  north-east 
harbor,  and  when  he  was  about  to  send  in  six  ships,  the 
French  proposed  terms  of  capitulation,  but  were  re- 
quired to  surrender  unconditionally.  Total  force  cap- 
tured, 3,031  soldiers  and  260  seamen.  There  were 
killed,  of  the  English,  21  officers  and  146  privates, 
wounded,  30  officers  and  301  men.  The  British  lost 
more  than  a  hundred  boats  in  landing. 

To  Pepperrell,  the  restoration  of  his  own  conquest  of 
1745  was  a  joyful  event.  This  was  the  main  pillar  of 
his  fame ;  and  to  see  the  proud  trophy  of  his  toil  and 
valor  again  wrested  from  a  foreign  grasp,  filled  his 
heart  with  delightful  emotions.  Although  he  took  no 
part  in  this  expedition,  it  must  interest  the  reader  of 
the  account  of  his  expedition  in  1745  to  have  this  brief 
sketch  of  the  second  surrender,  to  compare  with  the 
former  conquest  by  himself. 

Amherst  sailed  with  part  of  his  army  from  Louisburg 
to  Boston,  and  from  thence  marched  to  Fort  William 
Henry.  During  the  siege  of  Louisburg,  Abercrombie  had 
embarked  in  boats  at  Fort  William  Henry  with  16,000 
men,  prepared  for  the  enterprise,  and  passing  down 
Lake  George,  landed  on  the  west  side  near  its  outlet, 
and,  marching  towards  Ticonderoga,  drove  before  him 
a  battalion  of  the  enemy  which  was  encamped  on  the 
way,  and  soon  after  had  a  skirmish  with  some  straggling 


i-:*^':'  I 


iiii 


ill 


il 


M 


313 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


troops,  in  which  fell  the  lamented  Lord  Howe.  Pressing 
onward,  he  came  near  the  fort,  and  arranged  his  troops 
to  storm  it.  But  by  the  skilful  defence  of  the  enemy, 
hin  soldiers  were  entangled  among  fallen  trees,  and 
after  a  brave  struggle  of  four  hours,  were  repulsed,  with 
the  loss  of  2,000  killed  and  wounded,  mostly  British 
regulars,  and  but  a  trifling  loss  to  the  enemy.  This 
defeat  induced  Pitt  to  order  Abercrombie  home,  and  to 
give  the  command  to  Amherst,  who  had  returned  from 
there  to  Louisburg.  Amherst  marched  back,  and  com- 
manded the  army  on  Lake  Champlain  till  the  war 
closed. 

Colonel  John  Bradstreet,  captain  of  PepperrelPs  regi- 
ment at  Louisburg  in  1745^  and  his  intimate  friend  and 
protegd,  was  in  the  disastrous  engagement  against 
Ticonderoga,  with  Abercrombie,  and  immediately  after 
earnestly  solicited  permission  to  march  against  Fort 
Frontinac,  near  the  head  of  Lake  Ontario,  with  a  force 
of  5,000  men,  chiefly  of  provincial  militia,*  carrying 
eight  pieces  of  cannon  and  two  mortars. 

On  arriving  at  Oswego,  he  had  the  sad  privilege  to 
survey  the  fortifications  ruined  the  year  previous  by 
Montcalm,  and  to  lament  over  the  graves  of  his  old 
companions  in  arms,  Colonel  Mercer  and  others,  who 
were  at  Louisburg.  The  troops  embarked  here,  and  in 
the  evening  of  the  25th  of  August  landed  within  a 


♦  Regulars, 

•                .•          -  •». 

.      185 

New  York  Provincial  Militia,     .        . 

.       1,112 

New  Jersey        " 

" 

.      412 

Boston               " 

"                      .                . 

.         .          675 

Rhode  Island     " 

" 

.      318 

Batteau  men, 

4^^ 

■      ■          .*       -.,-.*                * 

300 

2,952 


«l»  t<  «^*  .  i 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


313 


mile  of  Fort  Frontenac,  which,  after  a  spirited  assault  of 
two  days,  surrendered  at  discretion.  The  Indians  having 
previously  deserted,  left  but  110  prisoners  of  war.  But 
the  captors  found  \i\  the  fort  sixty  pieces  of  cannon, 
sixteen  small  mortars,  a  large  number  of  small  arms,  a 
vast  quantity  of  provisions,  military  stores,  and  merchan- 
dise, and  nine  armed  vessels.  Having  destroyed  the  fort, 
vessels,  and  stores,  he  returned  to  the  main  army.  For 
this  noble  achievement,  Bradstreet  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  brigadier-general  in  the  royal  army,  to  the 
great  joy  and  satisfaction  of  his  old  commander  and 
patron.  Sir  William  Pepperrell. 

The  fall  of  Frontenac  cut  off  the  supplies  intended 
for  Fort  DuQuesne,  (now  Pittsburgh,)  and  hastened  its 
reduction.  General  Forbes,  who  marched  against  it 
with  8,000  men,  accompanied  by  Washington,  arrived 
there  late  in  November,  and  found  the  fort  evacuated 
the  preceding  evening.  The  neighboring  Indians  en- 
tered into  a  treaty,  and  the  victorious  army  returned  to. 
Virginia.  Thus  ended  hostilities  between  Lake  Erie 
and  the  Mississippi,  and  the  claim  of  the  French  to  this 
territory  never  after  revived. 

After  the  capitulation  of  Louisburg,  July  26,  1758, 
and  before  the  British  took  possession,  a  large  number 
of  French  and  Indians  escaped  from  there  in  the  night, 
and  fled  toward  New  Brunswick.  General  Monckton, 
of  Nova  Scotia,  wrote  to  Governor  Pownall  that  a 
body  of  Frenchmen,  in  conjunction  with  the  Indians  on 
the  rivers  St.  John,  Penobscot,  and  probably  Passama-^ 
quoddy,  were  meditating  an  attack  on  Fort  St.  George's- 
in  Kennebec,  and  the  destruction  of  all  the  settlements- 
in  the  vicinity.  Immediately,  Governor  Pownall  col- 
lected such  a  military  force  as  could  be  mustered,  and 
hastened  with  them  by  water  to  reinforce  that  place. 

27 


),  ■ 


III 


' .; "  in 


m% 


m  \ 


I 


ISff, 


■!ifi^; 


M 


314 


LIFE   OF   SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


■l'h)v 


On  arriving,  he  threw  these  auxiliaries,  with  supplies  of 
warlike  stores,  into  the  fort  at  a  most  fortunate  junc- 
ture; for  within  thirty-six  hours  after  his  departure 
thence,  the  fort  was  assailed  by  a  body  of  400  French 
and  Indians,  who  could  make  no  impression  on  it,  and 
returned.         '  -  ^        •■.•..■ 

General  Waldo  of  Falmouth  wrote  to  Sir  William 
several  letters,  apprising  him  of  impending  danger  to 
the  eastern  settlements,  from  the  above-mentioned  In- 
dians, of  which  Sir  William  notifies  all  his  officers  by 
the  following  circular :  — 


■'"" -V-'  '  Ktttery,  AufjugtSl,  1768. 

Sir,  —  Inclosed  you  have  copies  of  several  letters 
sent  me  by  General  Waldo,  and  I  expect  every  hour  to 
learn  North  Yarmouth,  Falmouth,  and  other  towns  this 
side,  are  attacked  by  the  enemy ;  for  if  those  that  came 
out  of  the  city  of  Louisburg  the  night  before  the  Eng- 
lish took  possession  of  it,  have  joined  those  we  heard 
before  were  coming  upon  the  eastern  frontiers,  there 
must  be  a  large  number.  You  are  therefore  hereby 
directed  immediately  on  sight  of  this,  to  send  out  posi- 
tive orders  to  the  several  captains  of  troop  and  foot,  to 
see  that  their  men  are  well  provided  with  arms  and 
ammunition,  and  to  hold  themselves  ready  at  a  minute's 
warning  to  march,  and  if  you  hear  of  any  place  being 
attacked,  you  are  to  proceed  with  them  forthwith  to 
afford  relief  and  to  pursue  the  enemy,  sending  me  the 
intelligence,  and  if  my  life  and  health  will  permit, 
1  will  soon  be  with  you.  Be  sure  to  see  that  the  men 
are  well  provided,  fail  not. 


When  the  former  ministry  was  changed  to  make 
room  for  the  energetic  Pitt,  Sir  William  doubtless  felt 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


315 


the  loss  of  the  Duke  of  Newcastle  and  of  Lord  Halifax, 
who  had  honored  him  with  every  token  of  respect  when 
he  was  in  London,  and  had  since  corresponded  with 
him  in  a  free  and  friendly  manner  on  provincial  con- 
cerns. They  had  twice  sent  him  the  king's  commission 
of  a  colonel  in  the  royal  army,  and  in  1756  that  of  a 
major-general.  On  their  removal  from  power  he  must 
have  apprehended  that  all  his  past  services  would,  in  a 
measure,  be  overlooked  by  young  Pitt,  to  whom  he  was 
almost,  if  not  entirely  a  stranger.  But  such  was  not 
the  case.  The  conquest  of  Louisburg  was  indelibly 
inscribed  on  the  page  of  history,  and  Pitt  learned  from 
all  quarters  that  no  man  in  America  wielded  an  influ- 
ence like  Pepperrell's.  He  had  recently  seen,  too,  that 
when  Massachusetts  was  threatened  with  invasion  from 
Fort  William  Henry,  and  the  whole  population  were  in 
the  greatest  consternation,  lest  the  enemy  should  over- 
rui.'  the  settlements  with  fire  and  sword,  the  eyes  of  all 
turned  to  the  old  hero  of  Louisburg  as  their  leader,  that 
they  dropped  their  implements  of  husbandry  in  the  field, 
seized  their  firelocks  and  marched  forth  in  a  mass  under 
his  banner  to  repel  the  enemy  from  the  borders  of  the 
province. 

The  moral  influence  of  such  a  man  on  the  masses 
Pitt  knew  how  to  appreciate,  and  felt  the  importance  of 
enlisting  it  to  the  uttermost  in  the  existing  crisis,  in  the 
service  of  the  crown,  by  such  merited  tokens  of  respect 
for  his  character  and  past  services  as  it  was  in  the 
power  of  the  king  to  bestow.  Accordingly  his  Majesty 
honored  him  with  a  commission  of  lieutenant-general 
jn  the  royal  army,  bearing  date  February  20,  1759,  an 
honor  never  before  conferred  on  a  native  of  America. 
But  Sir  William  was  not  permitted  to  take  the  field. 
His  health  had  failed,  his  end  was  approaching,  and  he 


;  II 


I'P  I 


"■  ''ti' 


;  f 


316 


LIFE  OF  SIR   WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


ill 


could  only  cheer  his  countrymen  p.nd  urge  them  onward 
to  victory.    .     '  '  '' 

Among  others  who  were  compelled  to  succumb  to 
the  pressure  of  heavy  taxation  in  1758,  as  before  noticed, 
was  Sir  William's  son-in-law,  the  Honorable  Nathaniel 
Sparhawk.  In  February,  commissioners  were  appointed 
to  receive  his  effects,  and  divide  the  proceeds  among  his 
creditors.  This  was  a  painful  occurrence  to  Sir  Wil- 
liam. He  writes  to  the  chairman,  Major  John  Hill, 
June  8, 1758:  — 


I  have  been  very  much  out  of  order  ever  since  you 
saw  me,  and  think  that  a  journey  will  do  me  good. 
My  son  Sparhawk  is  under  great  concern  lest  some- 
thing should  prevent  your  being  here  next  Monday,  and 
if  you  fail  of  coming,  all  that  is  done  relating  to  the 
surrender  of  his  effects  would  end  as  if  nothing  had 
been  done,  and  then  he  must  begin  anew.  Since  you 
have  begun  I  hope  you  will  not  fail  to  finish  it.* 

With  respect,  etc.,  W.  P. 

Colonel  Sparhawk's  property  was  advertised  for  sale 
at  auction,  September  15.  In  the  same  Gazette,  Sir 
William  publishes  notice  to  all  persons  to  settle  with 
him  immediately,  and  in  December  following,  he  adver- 
tises several  farms  for  sale. 

Sir  William  wtis  impressed  witii  the  firm  conviction 
that  his  earthly  caj*eer  was  drawing  to  a  close,  and  that 
it  was  his  duty  to  be  intent  on  putting  his  house  in 
order.     He  employed  an  eminent  lawyer,  David  Sewall, 


*  A  bitter  controversy  arose  between  Sparhawk  and  Colman  in  the 
settlement  of  their  accounts,  with  sharp  recriminations,  which  were 
published  in  the  Boston  Evening  Post. 


DURINO  THE  FRENCH   WAR  OF  1755. 


317 


to  write  his  will,  which  was  duly  executed  in  January, 
1759. 

Early  in  the  spring  of  1759  he  journeyed  to  Boston, 
and  on  his  return  home,  through  Danvers,  visited  his 
sister  Mrs.  Prescott,  formerly  the  widow  of  Hon.  John 
Frost,  and  subsequently  of  Rev.  Dr.  Colman.  Judge 
Prescott  writes  him  from  Danvers  to  Kittery,  April  23, 
acknowledging  the  receipt  of  a  letter  dated  16th  instant, 
containing  discouraging  accounts  of  his  health,  and 
adds: —  * 

I  pray  God  direct  you  into  the  best  remedies,  and  to 
give  a  blessing  to  the  means  used  for  your  recovery. 

I  am  told   his  Excellency  Governor  Pownall 

thinks  of  making  you  a  visit  next  week  or  the  week 
after.     Mrs.  Prescott  joins  me  in  sending  our  love. 

Your  affectionate  brother, 
'   '  Benjamin  Prescott. 


In  accordance  with  this,  the  New  Hampshire  Gazette 
of  May  4,  1759.  (HJiitains  the  following  notice:  — 

"Last  M  ,dnesday  came  to  town  his  Excellency 
Governor  l!\»«A  nail,  Esquire,  governor  of  Masisachusetts, 
attended  by  Captain  Moulton's  troop  of  horse,  who  was 
.ordered  by  his  Excellency,  our  governor,  to  receive  him 
at  the  province  line.  He  passed  through  the  town  at 
ten  o'clock,  and  was  escorted  to  his  Excellency  Governor 
Wentworth's  seat,  where  he  dined  and  lodged,  and  went 
next  morning  in  his  Excellency's  barge  to  the  seat  of 
Sir  William  Pepperrell,  Baronet.  In  Kittery  he  received 
a  handsome  salute  as  he  passed  by  the  castle.  We 
hear  that  Sir  William  Pepperrell  lies  dangerously  ill  at 
his  seat  in  Kittery." 

At  the  close  of  the  campaign  of  1758,  the  right  and 

%1* 


W'V, 


\  -fi 


318 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


left  extremes  of  the  contested  territory,  Pittsburgh  and 
Louisburg,  had  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  British ; 
their  arms  were  victorious  at  Louisburg,  and  Fort  Du- 
Quesne,  and  Frontenac. 

Three  expeditions  were  determined  on  for  1759,  all  to 
concentrate  upon  Quebec,  the  capital  and  palladium  of 
Canada.  One  through  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence, 
another  through  Lake  Champlain,  and  the  third  against 
Fort  Niagara,  near  the  falls,  and  this  captured,  to  pro- 
ceed through  Lake  Ontario  and  the  river  St.  Lawrence 
to  Montreal. 

General    Wolfe,    after    the    capture   of    Louisburg, 
returned  to  England,  and  was  despatched,  early  in  the 
spring,  with  an  army  and  large  fleet.     He  arrived  at 
Louisburg  and  embarked  thence,  with  eight  thousand 
troops  in  a  large  fleet,  and  by  the  end  of  June  landed 
them  on  the  Island  of  Orleans,  within  sight  of  Quebec. 
Amherst  was  to  reduce  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point, 
and  proceed  through  Lake  Champlain,  and  by  the  way 
of  Richelieu  River  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  down  this 
to  join  Wolfe.     He  reached  Isle  aux  Noix,  the  northern 
extremity  of  Lake  Champlain,  where  the  enemy  were 
posted  too  strong  for  him,  and   he  retired  for  winter 
quarters  to    Crown   Point.     Prideaux's  army  of  pro- 
vincials and  Indians  passed  through  Lake  Ontario,  and 
besieged   Fort   Niagara  early  in  July.     Prideaux  was 
killed  and  Johnson  succeeded  him  in  command.     An 
army  of  French  and  Indians  hastened  from  Detroit  and 
the  lake  shores  to  attack  Johnson  and  raise  the  siege. 
But  he  arranged  his  men  to  receive  them,  in  a  line  ex- 
tending from  the  fort  to  the  cataract,  flanked  right  and 
left  by  Indians.     After  a  vigorous  onset  of  the  enemy, 
they  were  repulsed,  and  the  fort  surrendered  to  John- 


son. 


"> 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


319 


Wolfe,  after  some  severe  skirmishing  about  the  out- 
posts of  Quebec,  embarked  his  troops  in  boats,  sailed 
up  the  river,  and  landed  in  the  night,  then  scaled  the 
cliff  in  the  rear  of  the  city,  and  next  day,  September 
13th,  gave  battle  to  Montcalm.  Both  commanders 
were  killed,  and  the  French  were  vanquished,  which 
proved  a  death  blow  to  French  power  in  Canada.  The 
following  year,  1760,  Amherst,  Johnson,  and  Murry,  the 
successor  of  Wolfe,  concentrated  their  armies  upon 
Montreal  where  Vaudreuil,  the  French  commander, 
capitulated,  and  the  Canadas  soon  after  were  ceded,  by 
treaty,  to  Great  Britain. 

The  French  war  reflected  little  honor  on  the  British 
arms  until  Pitt  was  placed  at  the  helm  of  government. 
Whatever  was  achieved  during  four  years,  from  1754 
to  1758,  was  the  work  of  provincial  troops,  and  all  the 
defeats  and  disasters  were  chargeable  to  incapacity  or 
dogged  obstinacy  of  British  commanders.  When  Pitt, 
with  discerning  eye,  saw  that  American  valor  was 
equal,  and  skill  superior,  to  British  regulars  against  allied 
French  and  Indians,  with  all  their  experience  in  military 
tactics,  he  elevated  them  to  an  equal  rank,  and  gave  the 
command  of  the  armies  to  younger  and  more  enterpris- 
ing generals.  Amherst,  Wolfe,  Johnson,  and  Bradstreet 
soon  turned  the  tide  in  favor  of  the  British  armies,  and 
achieved  the  conquest  t>f  Canada.      \  ... 

Sir  William's  military  career,  we  have  seen,  was  so 
interrv'^oven  with  the  French  wars  of  1745  and  1755, 
until  his  health  failed  in  1758,  as  to  render  it  convenient 
if  not  necessary,  to  give  a  connected  sketch  of  the  cam- 
paigns as  they  occurred,  and  as  the  closing  year  of  the 
war  was  fraught  with  events  of  intense  interest,  it 
seemed  proper  to  continue  the  sketch  until  it  terminated. 


,  '  ;il 


ii 


I'i 


i? 


I 


'3 


iliii 


Ii: 


II 


mr 


iiii 


330 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


uu 


although  the  part  he  bore,  towards  its  close,  was  feeble 
and  unimportant. 

But  it  is  interesting  to  know  that  his  life  was  spared 
until  the  British  and  provincial  armies  had  approached 
to  the  very  verge  of  conquest,  —  till  he  had  seen  one 
fortress  after  another  surrendered,  and  powerful  armies 
marching  on  triumphantly,  conquering  and  to  conquer, 
—  that  he  could  contemplate  savage  warfare  as  about 
to  cease  on  the  confines  of  New  England,  and  that  the 
reports  of  tomahawking  and  scalping,  of  conflagrations 
and  captivities  and  Indian  tortures  that  had  rung  their 
changes  in  his  ears,  from  boyhood  to  his  old  age,  were  no 
more  to  be  heard  within  our  borders.  As  it  was  with 
the  leader  of  Israel  who  toiled  on  through  many  years 
and  trials,  and  reached  at  last  the  summit  of  Pisgah, 
from  which  the  beauty  of  the  promised  land  burst  upon 
his  enraptured  vision,  only  to  close  his  eyes  forever,  — 
so  with  Pepperrell,  who  now  beheld  the  conquest  of  a 
vast  region  soon  to  be  added  to  the  realms  of  his  sover- 
eign, and  to  become  the  future  abode  of  peace,  civiliza- 
tion, and  Christianity,  and  inland  seas  hereafter  to  be 
whitened  with  the  canvas  of  peaceful  commerce. 
"Well  may  we  imagine  him  offering  up  the  pious  ejacu- 
lation of  Simeon,  "  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart 
in  peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation." 

Sir  William  Pepperrell  died  on  the  6th  of  July,  1759. 
His  funeral  obsequies  were  attended  by  a  vast  con- 
course. The  drooping  flags  at  half  mast  on  both  shores 
of  the  Pascataqua,  the  solemn  knell  from  neighboring 
churches,  the  responsive  minute-guns  from  all  the  bat- 
teries, and  the  mournful  rumbling  of  muffled  drums 
announced  that  a  great  man  had  fallen  and  was 
descending  to  the  tomb. 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


321 


,^ 


The  funeral  discourse,  delivered  on  the  following 
Sabbath  by  Rev.  Dr.  Stevens,  was  published  by  Lady, 
Pepperrell,  and  a  copy  sent  to  each  member  of  the 
house  and  council.  Many  copies  are,  by  this  measure, 
still  preserved.  •  •  ..    '<■ 

The  writer  of  his  obituary  notice,  probably  his  neigh- 
bor and  pastor.  Dr.  Stevens,  remarks  that  "  the  sickness 
whereof  he  died  was  of  long  continuance,  and  accom- 
panied with  great  pain,  which  gave  occasion  for  the 
exercise  of  exemplary  patience."  He  met  death  with 
Christian  fortitude,  possessing  calmness  of  mind  and 
expressing  his  resignation  to  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the 
world.  His  hope  respecting  a  future  and  better  state 
of  existence  was  grounded  on  the  mercy  of  God  through 
the  merits  of  his  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

Tn  contemplating  the  career  of  Sir  William  Pepper- 
rei"  from  the  uneducated  son  of  a  fisherman,  rising 
gradually  by  the  force  of  his  genius  to  princely  opu- 
lence,— to  the  command  of  the  military  forces  of  Maine, 
—  to  the  first  seat  on  the  bench  of  justice,  and  to  the 
presidency  of  the  governor's  council,  and  all  this  before 
he  had  arrived  at  middle  age,  —  enjoying,  too,  a  popu- 
larity so  transcendent  that  in  a  projected  military  expe- 
dition of  greater  magnitude  and  peril  than  the  colonies 
had  ever  undertaken,  he  was  selected  as  their  leader, 
under  whose  standard  all  classes  were  willing  and  eager 
to  enlist,  from  the  hoary-headed  Governor  Wolcott 
down  to  the  humblest  axeman  of  the  forest,  we  natu- 
rally inquire  what  were  the  elements  of  his  character 
that  were  so  attractive  and  gave  him  such  influence  and 
success,  —  and  which  drew  from  his  sovereign  the  com- 
missions, twice  of  colonel,  then  of  major-general  and 
lieutenant-general,  and  the  title  and  dignity  of  a 
baronet,  ■ —  honors  never  before  conferred  on  a  native 


ii 


^i;ii 


322 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERBELL. 


American.  The  word  tad  conveys  a  comprehensive 
idea  of  the  nature  of  his  power,  a  quick  perception 
with  sound  common  sense,  derived  not  from  books,  but 
from  the  study  of  man,  of  his  character  and  springs  of 
action  in  all  the  diversified  conditions  and  relations  of 
life,  b;  -onstant  intercourse  and  observation, — in  which 
study  lie  was  an  early  and  an  apt  scholar,  and  enjoyed 
an  ampler  field  for  instruction  tlirough  life  than  usually 
falls  to  the  lot  of  any  one.  It  was  this  practical  knowl- 
edge, stimulated  by  aspirations  for  honorable  fame  and 
distinction,  and  sanctioned  by  an  enlightened  conscience 
and  Christian  principles,  that  crowned  his  career  with 
unparalleled  success,  and  distinguished  him  from  men 
of  more  education  and  equal  purity  of  intention.  It 
fixed  upon  the  best  attainable  en  is,  and  resolutely  pur- 
sued them ;  it  selected  the  most  efficient  means,  and 
made  judicious  use  of  them. 

His  perceptions  were  clear,  resolution  strong,  his  judg- 
ment sound,  and  he  ever  formed  his  plans  with  due 
caution.  It  was  a  common  saying  in  his  day,  that 
whatever  he  willed  was  sure  to  come  to  pass,  attribut- 
able, probably,  as  much  to  caution  in  willing  as  to  stern 
inflexibility  in  acting. 

He  was  particular  in  exacting  from  others  the  fulfil- 
ment of  their  engagements,  and  equally  so  in  fulfilling 
his  own.  He  not  only  spoke  often  of  the  importance 
of  punctuality,  but  more  than  once  remarked  that  he 
did  not  remember  ever  to  have  promised  payment  and 
failed  either  as  to  time  or  sum.  Such  a  course  of 
policy  tended  to  healthy  trade  and  commerce,  whilst  it 
insured  in  his  case  both  prosperity  and  popular  favor. 

He  was  humane  and  forbearing  and  forgiving.  At 
Louisburg  not  one  of  his  soldiers  was  punished  during 
the  siege  ;  —  he  aimed,  and  with  great  success,  to  con- 


DURING  THE  FRENCH  WAR  OP  1755. 


323 


:^l'i 


trol  them  by  moral  suasion,  and  by  requiring  a  good 
example  in  his  officers.  His  lieutenant-colonel,  Ryan, 
who  had  defamed  him  and  was  amenable  to  heavy 
punishment,  he  allowed  to  go  free  on  making  an 
acknowledgment  of  hip  offence.  "  As  a  judge  he  was 
not  insensible  of  the  necessity  of  punishing  crime,  yet 
the  humanity  of  his  temper  ever  disposed  him  to  make 
all  those  allowances  which  might  be  alleged  in  exten- 
uation of  the  fault."* 

Sir  William's  education,  though  very  deficient  in 
early  life,  even  to  his  orthography,  was  always  progres- 
sive. Frequent  intercourse  with  his  library  and  exten- 
sive correspondence  with  persons  of  education,  trained 
him  to  a  good  degree  of  accuracy  in  orthography,  in 
the  structure  of  sentences,  and  in  the  logical  arrange- 
ment of  his  thoughts,  insomuch  that  the  rough  draughts 
of  many  of  his  letters  are  written,  not  only  grammati- 
cally, but  frequently  in  good  taste.  As  a  public  speaker 
he  is  said  to  have  been  always  ready,  and  like  most 
other  men  exclusively  practical  in  their  education,  he 
spoke  to  the  point,  regardless  of  polished  sentences  and 
rhetorical  flourish. 

rie  was  distinguished  for  popular  and  engaging  man- 
ners and  elegant  address,  had  a  high  relish  for  the  inno- 
cent and  refined  pleasures  of  society,  was  the  delight  of 
his  friends  and  the  life  and  spirit  of  every  company,  and 
however  engrossed  with  public  duties  and  domestic 
cares,  he  could  readily  lay  them  aside  in  the  social  circle 
and  play  the  easy,  affable  companion.  Amid  the  per- 
plexities that  beset  him  on  every  side  during  the  siege, 
he  preserved  equanimity,  and  his  cheerfulness  inspired 
with   hope   and  confidence  all  around  him.     That  he 


V    vl 


*  Dr.  Stevens*  Funeral  Sermon. 


/ 


334 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


was  devoutly  religious  is  abundantly  shown  in  the  fore- 
going pages,  his  sentiments  being  strongly  tinctured 
with  the  prevailing  theology  of  his  times,  as  evinced  in 
the  letter  of  condolence  to  Lady  Warren  and  to  Gov- 
ernor Wentworth.  He  was  much  displeased  with  pro- 
fane lan|q:uage,  and  discountenanced  it  in  the  officers 
and  soldi  .  under  his  command.  Some  in  high  rank 
both  in  r.  J  army  and  navy,  he  often  restrained  from 
taking  the  name  of  God  in  vain. 

Sir  William  expended  liberally  in  the  purchase  of 
books.  Guided,  in  some  degree,  in  his  selections  by  the 
advice  of  his  pastor,  a  large  portion  of  them  were 
religious,  with  some  historical,  and  but  few  miscellane- 
ous. The  graceful  biographer  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Buck- 
minster  remarks  that  his  father-in-law,  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Stevens  of  Kittery  Point,  enjoyed  such  privileges  during 
a  winter's  day  as  rarely  fell  to  the  lot  of  clergymen  of 
that  time,  in  his  free  access  to  the  library  of  Sir  William 
Pepperrell,  which  consisted  of  the  best  English  editions 
of  standard  works  imported  by  himself.  When  his 
library  had  grown  so  as  to  be  burdensome,  a  large  num- 
ber of  volumes  were  selected  to  form,  in  conjunction 
with  contributions  from  other  individuals,  what  was 
called  the  Revolving  Library,  for  the  benefit  of  the  first 
and  second  parishes  in  Kittery,  and  one  in  York,  each 
parish  =^njoying  its  use  a  certain  portion  of  the  year. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  he  made  so  fow  endownients 
for  educational,  humane,  or  religious  purposes ;  but  he 
was  surrounded  by  a  very  destitute  population  who 
needed  daily  relief.  Nor  were  public  benefactions  fre- 
quent and  fashionable  then  as  at  the  present  day,  and 
his  will  shows  that  he  had  many  poor  relations 
who  had  anticipated  their  legacies  and  might  require 
further  aid.     He  contributed  liberally  to  his  parish  and 


DURING  THB  FRENCH  WAR  OF  1755. 


325 


church,  and  gave  a  four-acre  lot  for  a  church  in  Saco, 
a  liberal  sum  to  New  Jersey  College  at  Princeton,  and 
a  bell  to  the  church  in  Pepperrell,  Massachusetts,  which 
town  was  named  for  him  at  the  desire  of  the  minister 
who  had  been  a  chaplain  at  Louisburg.  The  bell,  how- 
ever, got  mislaid  in  Boston,  and,  it  is  believed,  was 
found  by  the  British  and  removed.  It  was  inscribed 
with  the  name  of  Pepperrell  and  a  couplet :  — 

, ,  <  "  I  to  the  church  the  living  call, 

And  to  the  grave  I  summon  all." 

"  Few  were  blessed,"  says  a  contemporary,  "  with  a 
stronger  constitution  of  body,  and  his  mind  was  equally 
firm.  Difficulties  and  dangers  served  only  as  occasions 
to  draw  forth  his  resolution,  boldness,  and  intrepidity." 
But  the  siege  of  Louisburg  '"ibjected  him  to  exposures, 
and  laid  the  foundation  of  rheumatism,  which  occasion- 
ally returned,  and  finally  terminated  his  useful  and 
eventful  life  in  the  sixty-third  year  of  his  age. 


m 


/ 


326 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


The  eventful  life  of  Sir  William  Pepperrell  closed  a 
few  years  before  the  outbreak  of  the  revolution.  Pat- 
riotism in  his  day  implied  loyalty  and  fidelity  to  the 
king  of  England ;  —  but  how  changed  the  meaning  of 
that  word  in  New  England  after  the  Declaration  of  In- 
dependence !  Words  and  deeds  before  deemed  patriotic 
were  now  traitorous;  and  so  deeply  was  the  idea  of 
their  moral  turpitude  impressed  on  the  public  mind  as 
to  have  tainted  popular  opinions  concerning  the  heroic 
deeds  of  our  ancestors,  performed  in  the  king's  service 
in  the  French  wars.  We  have  no  sympathy  with  the 
joyous  acclamations  then  bestowed  on  the  successful 
victor  returning  from  the  field  of  glory  to  be  crowned 
with  laurels.  We  have  felt  no  desire  to  perpetuate  the 
fame  of  his  achievements,  although  characterized  at  the 
time  by  patriotism  as  pure  and  disinterested  as  any  ex- 
hibited during  or  since  the  struggle  of  the  revolution. 
The  latter  war  absorbed  and  neutralized  all  the  heroic 
fame  of  the  illustrious  men  that  preceded,  and  the 
achievements  of  Pepperrell,  of  Johnson,  and  of  Brad- 
street  are  now  almost  forgotten. 

The  extinction  of  their  fame  by  the  revolution  was 
not  more  remarkable  than  the  wreck  of  their  fortunes. 
The  Penns,  Fairfaxes,  Johnsons,  Phillips,  Robinson, 
and  Pepperrell  were  stripped  of  their  immense  posses- 
sions by  confiscation,  who,  up  to  that  hour,  "  had  been 
but  little  less  than  hereditary  colonial  noblemen,  and 
viceroys  of  boundless  domain."     Pepperrell,  it  is  said, 


CONCLUDING  CHAPTER. 


327 


could  travel  from  Pascataqua  to  Saco  River,  nearly 
thirty  miles,  on  his  own  soil ;  and  his  possessions  were 
large  in  Scarboro',  Elliot,  Berwick,  Newington,  Ports- 
mouth, Hampton,  and  Hubbardston.  In  Saco  alone, 
he  owned  5,500  acres,  including  the  site  of  that  popu- 
lous town  and  its  factories. 

In  his  will,  rewritten  with  great  care  in  January,  1758, 
he  gives,  after  the  decease  of  his  wife  and  daughter, 
portions  of  her  real  estate  to  his  grandchildren,  Na- 
thaniel, Andrew,  Samuel,  and  Mary  Sparhawk;  but 
the  great  bulk  of  it,  including  his  Saco  lands,  was  left, 
unspecified,  to  a  fourth  grandson,  William,  as  residuary 
legatee,  on  condition  of  his  changing  his  name  from 
Sparhawk  to  Pepperrell.  All  these  grandsons  remained 
loyalists  or  tories,  and  left  the  country,  and  these  vast 
domains  passed  into  other  hands.  A  life-interest  in  the 
Saco  lands  was  enjoyed  by  Lady  Mary,  the  relict  of 
Sir  William  and  her  daughter  Mrs.  Sparhawk,  devised 
to  them  by  the  Baronet's  will.  In  exchange  for  the 
right  thus  arising,  the  State  assigned  two  ninths,  in 
absolute  property,  to  Lady  Pepperrell  and  her  daughter 
Elizabeth  Sparhawk,  by  a  deed  executed  in  1788.  Mrs. 
Sparhawk  appointed  Charles  Chauncy,  Esquire,  her 
agent,  by  whom  several  lots  were  sold,  and  among  them 
the  mill  lot,  to  Colonel  Thomas  Cutis,  who  purchased, 
from  time  to  time,  a  large  portion  of  the  Pepperrell 
lands  in  Saco.* 

*  Hon.  Thomas  Cutta,  the  youngest  son  of  Hon.  Richard  Cutts  of 
Kitteiy,  born  April  5,  1 736,  having  served  a  clerkship  in  Sir  Wil- 
liam's counting-room,  when  about  twenty-two  yea  "  of  age  removed 
to  Saco,  where,  from  a  capital  of  one  hundred  dollars  lent  him  by  his 
father,  he  amassed  the  largest  fortune  in  Maine  next  after  Sir  Wil- 
liam's, raised  a  large  family,  was  active  during  the  revolution,  was  a 
noted  merchant,  president  of  a  bank,  senator  in  the  Massachusetts 


I  i 


m 


rKV 


328 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


Thus  the  princely  fortune  of  Pepperrell,  that  required 
a  century  to  construct,  from  the  foundation  laid  by 
John  Bray  the  shipwright,  to  the  massive  structure 
raised  by  the  fisherman  William  Pepperrell,  and  com- 
pleted by  his  son  Sir  William,  fastened  and  secured 
though  it  was,  by  every  instrument  that  his  own  skill 
and  the  best  legal  counsel  could  devise  to  give  stability 
and  perpetuity,  was  in  a  brief  hour  overthrown  and 
demolished,  and  its  fragments  broadcast,  by  the  confis- 
cation act  of  1778;  and  two  of  his  daughter's  grand- 
sons have  since  been  saved  from  the  poor-house  by  the 
bounty  of  some  individuals,  on  whom  they  had  no 
claims  for  favor.  "  Surely  every  man  walketh  in  a  vain 
show.  He  heapeth  up  riches  and  knoweth  not  who 
shall  gather  them." 

His  plate  was  given  to  his  grandson,  Sir  William, 
and  was  allowed  in  the  confiscation  act  to  be  taken 
away  from  the  dwelling  of  the  deceased  at  Kittery 
Point.  Colonel  Moulton  of  York,  with  six  soldiers, 
guarded  its  conveyance  to  Boston,  whence  it  was 
shipped  to. England.  Two  or  three  pieces  were  pre- 
sented to  individuals  and  are  still  preserved,  one  of 
them  is  owned  by  Mrs.  Freeman  of  Illinois,  and  an- 
other by  Mrs.  Jar  vis  of  Maine.  The  sword  he  wore  at 
Louisburg  is  in  my  possession.  Another  sword,  richly 
mounted  with  gold  and  jewels,  given  him  by  Sir  Peter 
Warren,  is  in  possession  of  Dr.  Jarvis  of  Claremont, 


legislature,  colonel  of  a  regiment,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
Massachusetts  General  Hospital.  He  died  January  10,  1821.  His 
son  Richard  wo^  many  years  a  member  of  congress,  and  a  daughter 
married  Hon.  Thomas  G.  Thorntoi},  United  States  Marshal  for 
Maine  from  1803  to  1824.  Their  grandson,  J.  Wingate  Thornton, 
Esquire,  a  highly  respected  attorney  in  Boston,  has  furnished  me 
with  some  valuable  materials  for  this  Memoir. 


!l 


CONCLUDING  CHAPTER. 


329 


New  Hampshire.  It  was  presented  by  his  grand- 
daughter, Mrs.  Dr.  Charles  Jarvis  of  Boston,  to  Dr. 
Leonard  Jarvis  of  Claremont,  New  Hampshire,  whose 
son,  Dr.  S.  G.  Jarvis,  is  now  the  owner.  A  gold  snuff- 
box, said  to  have  been  given  him  by  the  Prince  of  Wales, 
afterwards  George  the  HI.,  is  owned  by  George  A.  Ward, 
Esquire,  of  New  York,  who  prepared  for  the  press  the 
Journal  of  Curwen  his  ancestor,  which  is  so  much 
admired  by  every  reader. 

After  the  death  of  Sir  William,  Lady  Pepperrell 
caused  a  neat  house,  in  modern  style,  to  be  erected  near 
that  of  her  daughter,  and  the  village  church,  both  of 
which  still  remain.  Here  she  died,  on  the  25th  of  No- 
vember, 1789,  after  being  a  widow  thirty  years.  The 
old  mansion  she  left,  built  by  the  first  Colonel  Pepper- 
rell, and  enlarged  by  his  son,  is  plain  in  its  architecture 
and  contained  a  great  many  rooms  before  it  was  cur- 
tailed ten  feet  from  each  end ;  "  it  was  well  adapted  to 
the  extensive  domains  and  hospitalities  of  its  former 
owners.  The  lawn  in  front  extends  to  the  sea,  a,nd  the 
restless  waves  over  which  Sir  William  successively 
sought  fortune  and  fame,  still  glitter  in  the  sunbeam o, 
and  dash  around  the  disconsolate  abode.  The  fires  of 
hospitality  are  extinguished,  and  the  present  inhabitants 
of  the  mansion,  (families  of  poor  fishermen,)  seem  to 
wish  to  exclude  all  visitors  and  strangers.  The  hall  is 
spacious  and  well  finished ;  the  ceiling  is  ornamented, 
and  the  richly  carved  banister  bears  traces  of  former 
elegance.  On  ascending  the  staircase,  paintings  of 
angels'  heads  decorate  the  hall  window."  A  few  years 
ago  there  was  a  noble  avenue  of  trees  of  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  in  length,  leading  to  the  house  of  Colonel  Spar- 
hawk,  east  of  the  village  church.  The  large  hall  of 
this  mansion  was  lined  with  some  fifty  portraits  of  the 

■    28* 


i 


is  1 


330 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPKRRELL. 


Pepperrell  and  Sparhawk  families,  and  of  the  friends 
and  companions  in  arms  of  Sir  William  —  such  as 
Admiral  Sir  Peter  Warren,  Commodore  Spry,  etc. 
"  Some  of  them  were  rescued  from  destruction  by  the 
indefatigable  antiquary  and  elegant  historical  writer, 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Burroughs  of  Portsmouth,  and  now  adorn 
.the  walls  of  the  Athenaeum  here."  * 


LOUISBURG   AND   CAPE   BRETON. 

The  English  having  achieved  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
•deemed  it  the  best  policy  to  demolish  the  fortifications 
of  Louisburg,  and  thus  save  the  expense  of  maintain- 
ing a  garrison  there,  and  also  prevent  its  falling  again 
into  the  .possession  of  France,  and  endangering  the 
safety  of  Nova  Scotia.  Accordingly,  some  able  en- 
gineers were  despatched  from  England,  who,  by  means 
•of  mines  judiciously  disposed  and  well  constructed, 
reduced  the  fortifications  to  a  heap  of  rubbish,  levelled 
the  glacis,  and  filled  up  the  ditches.  All  the  imple- 
ments of  war  were  removed  to  Halifax.  A  few  private 
"houses,  with  some  barracks,  were  left  standing. 

Cape  Breton,  after  the  acquisition  of  Canada,  re- 
mained dismantled  nearly  thirty  years,  utterly  neglected 
•by  the  home  government,  and  but  slightly  favored  by 
the  government  of  Nova  Scotia,  of  which  it  formed  a 
♦dependency.  Louisburg,  its  capital,  ceased  to  be  a 
place  of  trade,  and  its  dwellings  were  8uff*ered  to  crum- 
ible  into  ruins.  The  war  of  the  revolution  occupied  the 
;attention  of  England  for  seven  long  years,  and  during 


*  Extracted  from  the  Appendix  of  Curwen's  Journal,  by  George 
A.  Ward,  Esquire. 


CONCLUDING  CHAPTER. 


331 


this  time  the  population  of  the  capital  and  of  the  island 
dwindled  to  a  few  hundred.  In  1784  public  attention 
was  called  to  it  as  a  convenient  place  for  loyulistn  and 
disbanded  troops.  With  this  view  the  island  was 
formed  into  a  separate  government,  with  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Desbarres,  a  distinguished  officer  of  the  sixtieth 
regiment,  as  governor.  He  was  in  the  British  urmy 
in  the  revolutionary  war,  and  had  rendered  important 
services  in  surveying  the  coast  of  Nova  Scotia.  This 
gentleman,  the  father  of  Judge  Desbarres  of  New- 
foundland, left  Louisburg  to  its  fate,  an  J  selected  for  a 
capital  the  present  site  of  Sidney,  Old  Town,  about  six 
miles  south  of  the  coal-mines  and  ten  from  the  ocean. 
Its  numerous  advantages  for  commerce;  and  the  fisheries, 
and  its  vicinity  to  inexhaustible  beds  of  excellent  coal, 
seemed  to  mark  it  for  a  prosperous  settlement,  f.  .  1  soon 
brought  an  accession  of  "nearly  4,000  souk  Ciiiefly 
from  Nantucket,  Rhode  Island,  and  Martha's  Vineyard, 
—  stanch  loyalists  and  a  hard-working  people,  whose 
descendants  are  at  this  day  distinguished  from  their 
neighbors  by  superior  intelligence  and  more  civilized 
habits."  A  regiment  was  stationed  here  at  first,  which 
gave  an  impulse  to  trade.  Beside  American  loyalists, 
there  are  remnants  of  the  early  French  settlers,  a  quiet, 
inefficient  people,  and  a  large  number  of  Irish.  But 
the  most  numerous  class  are  the  Cell^ :)!  ,m  the  northern 
coast  of  Scotland  and  the  adjacent  islands,  half  civilized, 
improvident,  and  uneducated,  and  who  speak  the  Gaelic 
language,  which  is  not  understood  by  the  other  settlers. 
The  site  of  Sidney,  Old  Town,  is  one  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful in  North  America,  and  the  inhabitants  are,  many 
of  them,  very  intelligent  and  respectable.  It  is  about 
twenty  miles  from  Louisburg  in  a  straight  line,  and  by 
water  from  sixty  to  eighty.     At  the  mines,  near  the 


332 


LIFE   OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPEBRELL. 


mouth  of  the  river,  there  is  a  more  industrious  people, 
and  there  are  some  magnificent  dwellings.  Both  settle- 
ments abound  in  beautiful  and  accomplished  ladies, 
that  would  grace  any  circle  in  America.  On  the  north 
side  of  the  bay,  as  it  opens  into  the  ocean,  and  near  the 
mines,  are  some  beautiful  and  picturesque  residences. 
At  Old  Town  are  stationed  a  small  number  of  British 
troops,  and  there  are  wharves  and  other  conveniences 
for  commerce.  To  those  who  frequent  watering-places 
in  the  summer,  a  trip  to  Sidney  would  prove  a  novel 
and  pleasing  excursion. 

In  a  recent  visit  to  Louisburg  with  his  nephew,  Ed- 
win Parsons,  Esquire,  of  Savannah,  for  the  purpose  of 
seeing  its  ruins,  the  author  rode  from  Sidney,  Old 
Town,  over  a  good  road  to  Miray  River,  about  twelve 
miles;  the  remaining  twelve  miles  of  road  were  very 
rough  and  fatiguing.  He  approached  the  bay  over  Green 
Hill  near  to  the  grand  battery,  and  then  followed  the 
shore  round  the  cove,  and  entered  the  old  city  ground, 
where  the  west  gate  stood,  which  Pepperrell's  batteries 
demolished.  Beyond  this  there  is  a  bend  in  the  shore, 
formed  by  projecting  points  of  land,  between  which  a 
chain-boom  once  extended  for  the  protection  of  ship- 
ping moored  within.  In  this  bend  are  two  very  humble 
cabins,  where  strangers  can  obtain  lodgings.  An  old 
cellar  or  two,  quite  filled  with  rubbish,  is  nearly  all  that 
remains  to  mark  the  former  habitations ;  the  rest  of  the 
old  ground  being  levelled  and  converted  into  grass  land.* 
The  form  of  the  batteries  is  easily  traced,  and  the  city 


*  It  is  a  curious  fact  that  although  the  grounds  formerly  occupied 
by  dwellings  is  now  level  grass  land,  the  spots  occupied  by  chimneys 
are  distinguishable  by  rich  clover  nowhere  else  to  be  found  in  Louis- 
burg. ,  ,  X 


r 


V 


CONCLUDING   CHAPTER. 


333 


wall  on  the  west  side,  once  thirty  to  forty  feet  high  and 
six  feet  thick,  now  presents  a  huge  mound  covered  with 
verdure,  but  still  retaining  the  form  and  showing  the 
site  of  the  ancient  fortification.  Looking  in  a  northerly 
direction  from  the  cabin  one  sees  the  grand  battery, 
nearly  a  mile  distant,  and  beyond  this,  and  near  where 
Vaughan  fired  the  storehouses,  the  rising  ground  is 
dotted  with  a  dozen  or  more  houses,  among  which  is  a 
small  Catholic  church.  On  the  right  and  in  a  north- 
easterly direction,  stands  the  light-house  on  a  high  cliff", 
which  makes  the  north  side  of  the  entrance  into  the 
bay,  and  to  the  passing  mariner  denotes  the  harbor  of 
Louisburg. 

Such  is  the  present  state  of  Louisburg,  once  the 
foundation  of  French  power  in  America,  whose  fortifi- 
cations cost  six  millions  of  dollars,  and  which  is  so  cele- 
brated in  history  for  the  two  sieges  it  sustained,  and  for 
the  waste  of  blood  and  treasure  upon  its  soil.  Here, 
where  the  morning  and  evening  gun  reverberated  on  the 
distant  hills,  and  drums  beat  the  reveilld,  where  the 
hoarse  sound  of  the  trumpet  and  shrill  pipe  of  the  boat- 
swain called  mariners  to  their  duties,  and  the  church 
bells  rang  their  merry  peals,  and  every  street  was  alive 
with  the  busy  hum  of  thronging  people,  —  silence,  soli- 
tude, and  desolation  reign,  broken  only  by  the  rumbling 
of  the  distant  surf,  or  whispering  murmurs  of  lighter 
waves  that  wind  along  its  sandy  beach. 

Nearly  midway  between  the  two  extremities  of  the 
western  wall,  and  just  within  it,  was  a  parade  ground, 
bounded  on  the  other  or  eastern  side  by  soldiers'  bar- 
racks. At  the  ends  of  this  ground,  and  opening  to  it, 
facing  each  other,  were  the  casemates  or  places  of 
retreat  for  women  and  children,  rendered  bomb-proof  by 
an  arch  of  heavy  stonework  thrown  over  each.     Two 


illll 


MP 


334 


LIFE   OF  SIR   WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


t 


floors  divided  the  space  into  three  apartments,  one 
above  another,  six  feet  in  height.  The  floors  are  gone, 
but  the  large  cave  of  each  casemate  remains  entire,  and 
affords  a  winter  retreat  for  sheep  and  cattle. 

All  the  public  buildings  were  faced  with  hewn  tufa- 
stone  of  a  cream  color  and  the  texture  of  common 
sandstone,  and  being  highly  wrought  into  arches,  archi- 
traves, and  pilasters,  must  have  presented  a  beautiful 
appearance.  A  few  cart-loads  only  of  these  materials 
remain,  and  these  are  mostly  at  the  grand  battery,  the 
others  having  been  transported  to  Halifax  and  to  some 
of  the  seaports  of  New  England.  In  examining  a  pile 
of  these  at  the  grand  battery,  I  found  deeply  chiselled  in 
one  of  them  the  name  of  "  Gridley,  1745,"  whom  Pep- 
perrell  stationed  here  in  command  of  the  battery;  it 
was  probably  done  by  his  own  hand.  This  same 
Gridley,  thirty  years  afterward,  planned  the  battery  on 
Bunker's  Hill,  that  was  thrown  up  in  the  night  preced- 
ing the  memorable  battle.  The  old  burying-ground 
beyond  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  city  is  rich  grass 
land,  fertilized  it  may  be,  by  the  decomposing  bones  of 
five  hundred  New  Englanders,  who  were  buried  here 
soon  after  PepperrelPs  siege.  On  Light-House  Point, 
fragments  of  shells,  thrown  here  during  the  two  sieges, 
are  to  be  found  in  great  numbers,  and  in  the  clefts  of 
rocks  that  face  the  sea,  and  near  high-water-mark,  are 
several  old  cannon  that  were  tumbled  down  from  the 
battery  nearly  a  century  ago.  The  island  opposite  the 
light-house  shows  the  boundary  and  defences  of  the 
old  battery,  —  portions  of  which  still  remain.  8uch  is 
the  present  state  of  old  Louisburg.  "  That  such  a  city 
existed  at  so  early  a  period,  is  a  marvel ;  that  such  a 
city  yielded  to  the  farmers,  mechanics,  and  fishermen  of 
New  England,  is  almost  incredible.     The  lovers  of  the 


y 


CONCLUDING   CHAPTER. 


335 


wonderful  may  read  the  works  which  contain  accounts 
of  its  rise  and  ruin,  and  be  satisfied  that  truth  is  some- 
times greater  than  fiction."  * 


nil 


DESCENDANTS   OP  SIR   WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 

«    ■ 

Descendants  of  Sir  William  Pepperrell's  daughter- 
and  only  child,  Mrs.  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Colonel  Nathan-*- 
iel  Sparhawk:  — 

1.  Nathaniel^  Junior^  born  August,  1744;  graduated' 
1765 ;  married  his  cousin  Miss  Susan  Sparhawk,  andi 
had  five  children,  —  Nathaniel,  William  P.,  Eliza,  Susan,, 
and  Catherine.  By  second  wife,  Miss  Elizabeth  Bart- 
lett  of  Haverhill,  whom  he  married  in  1780;  he  had  one- 
daughter  named  Mary  Pepperrell,  born  in  Kittery.  His- 
third  wife  was  Miss  Parker  of  Portsmouth.  Some  dif*- 
ference  arising  between  him  and  his  last  wife,  he  left  her 
and  went  to  England,  where  he  remained  till  1809,  when' 
he  returned,  and  died  in  Kittery,  1814.  His  two  sons^ 
never  married.  Nathaniel  the  elder,  was  feeble  and. 
inactive.  Consul  Jarvis,  who  married  his  niece,  Miss- 
Mary  Pepperrell  Sparhawk,  gave  him  a  home  and  thus- 
saved  him  from  the  almshouse.  He  died  in  Weathers- 
field,  1836.  The  other  son  of  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  named 
William  Pepperrell  Sparhawk,  graduated  in  1789,  andi 
went  to  England.  He  returned  deeply  imbued  with* 
aristocratic  feeling,  but  very  indigent  and  indolent.  A 
few  families  noticed  him  kindly  on  account  of  his  noble- 
ancestor,  being  great-grandson  of  the  elder  Sir  William. 
He  died  in  York,  1817.     Eliza,  the  eldest  daughter  of 

*  George  A.  Ward,  Esquire,  in  his  edition  of  Curwen's  Journal  of 
the  Loyalists. 


iMi 


li'il 


336 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


Nathaniel  Sparliawk,  Jr.,  married  Andrew  Spooner,  a 
merchant  in  Boston.  They  both  soon  died,  leaving  one 
daughter  who  was  adopted  by  a  single  sister  of  Dr. 
Charles  Jarvis  of  Boston,  and  received  from  her  an 
accomplished  education.  She  married  Edward  Jarvis 
of  Castine,  Maine,  brother  of  Captain  Joseph  Jarvis, 
United  States  Navy,  und  has  a  promising  family  of 
children.  Susan,  second  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Spar- 
hawk,  Jr.,  went  to  London  to  nurse  her  father  in  sick- 
ness, and  died  there  of  smallpox,  1803,  unmarried. 
Catherine,  third  daughter  of  Nathaniel  Sparhawk,  Jr., 
married  Daniel  Humphreys,  Jr.,  of  Portsmouth.  He 
died,  leaving  two  daughters  and  one  son.  She  removed 
to  Kittery  to  her  father's  former  residence,  and  died 
there  quite  indigent,  in  1806.  Her  son  died  1828,  un- 
married. The  two  daughters  are  now  pleasantly  situ- 
ated in  Conway,  New  Hampshire,  unmarried.  Na- 
thaniel Sparhawk,  Jr.'s  only  daughter  by  his  second 
wife,  was  adopted  by  her  uncle  Bailey  Bartlett  of 
Haverhill,  Massachusetts,  high  sheriff  of  Essex  county. 
After  she  was  ten  years  old  she  passed  much  of  her 
time  in  Boston  with  her  aunt,  Mrs.  Dr.  Jarvis.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-seven  she  married  William  Jarvis,  Esq., 
consul  at  Lisbon,  and  lately  a  resident  in  Weathersfield, 
Vermont,  where  her  half-brother,  the  invalid,  Nathaniel 
Sparhawk,  3d,  found  a  home.  Mrs.  Jarvis  died  leaving 
two  daughters  who  were  married  to  D.  Everett,  Esq., 
of  New  York,  and  she  has  recently  dectased,  leaving 
two  children;  and  Miss  Mary  Pepperreli  Sparhawk 
Jarvis,  who  married  Hampden  Cutts,  Esquire,  of  North 
Hartland,  Vermont,  and  has  five  children.  Besides 
these  two  ladies,  there  is  Mrs.  Edward  Jarvis  of  Castine, 
Maine,  the  daughter  of  Miss  Spooner  that  was,  who 
has  also  a  promising  family  of  children.     Then  there 


•*" 


Ill 


i'li 


CONCLUDING   CHAPTER. 


337 


are  the  two  maiden  ladies  named  Humphreys,  living  in 
Conway ;  and  all  the  above  are  descended  from  Nathan- 
iel, the  first  son  of  Hon.  Nathaniel,  who  married  Sir 
William's  daughter.  The  only  other  descendant  of  the 
baronet  living  in  America,  is  Miss  Harriot  Hirst  Spar- 
hawk,  daughter  of  Samuel,  the  third  son,  an  elderly 
maiden  lady,  and  the  only  Sparhawk  living,  of  Pepperrell 
blood,  in  America. 

11.  The  second  son  of  Hon.  Nathaniel  Sparhawk, 
named  William  Pepperrell  Sparhawk,  whose  mother 
was  the  only  daughter  of  Sir  William,  was,  on  the 
death  of  his  only  son  Andrew,  adopted  by  his  grand- 
father as  heir  to  his  estate  and  title,  on  the  condition 
that  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  he,  by  an  act  of  the 
Legislature,  dropped  Sparhawk  from  his  name.  He  was 
educated  in  the  best  manner,  and  graduated  at  Cam- 
bridge in  1766.  He  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Hon.  Isaac  Royall,  of  Medfcrd;  was  chosen  a  member 
of  the  governor's  council,  and  succeeded  to  his  grand- 
father's title  of  baronet  in  October,  1744.  When  the 
council  WbS  reorganized  under  the  act  of  Parliament, 
"  lie  was  continued  ander  the  mandamus  of  the  kins, 
and  incurred  the  odium  which  was  visited  upon  the 
counsellors,  who  were  thus  appointed  contrary  to  the 
charter.  The  people  of  his  own  county  (York)  passed 
the  following  resolution  at  Wells,  on  the  16th  of  No- 
vember, 1774:  *  Whereas,  the  late  Sir  William  Pep- 
perrell, honored  and  respected  in  Great  Britain  and 
America  for  his  eminent  services,  did  honestly  acquire  a 
large  and  extensive  real  estate  in  this  country,  and  gave 
the  highest  evidence  not  only  of  his  being  a  sincere 
friend  of  the  rights  of  man  in  general,  but  of  having  a 
paternal  love  of  this  county  in  particular ;  and  whereas, 
the  said  Sir  William,  by  his  last  will  and  testament, 

m 


338 


LIFE   OF   SIR  WILLIAM   PEPPERRELL. 


made  his  grandson  residuary  legatee  and  possessor  of 
the  greatest  part  of  said  estate,  who  hath,  with  purpose 
to  carry  into  force  acts  of  the  British  Parliament  made 
with  apparent  design  to  enslave  the  free  and  loyal 
people  of  this  continent,  accepted,  and  now  holds,  a  seat 
in  the  pretended  board  of  counsellors  in  this  prov h.eo, 
as  well  in  direct  repeal  of  the  charter  thereof,  as  agiiiiist 
the  solemn  compact  of  kings  and  the  inherent  iighU  of 
the  people.  It  is  therefore  resolved,  that  he  ho rh  for- 
feited the  confidence  and  friendship  of  all  true  friends  of 
American  liberty,  and,  with  other  pretended  counsellors 
now  holding  their  seats  in  like  manner,  ought  to  be  de- 
tested by  all  good  men :  and  it  is  hereby  recommended 
to  the  good  people  of  this  county,  that  an  soon  as  the 
present  leatei^!  mad*;  to  any  of  them  by  him  are  expired, 
they  immediaiclv  withdraw  all  connection,  commerce, 
and  dealings  fvoia  him,  —  and  that  they  take  no  further 
lease  or  conveyance  of  his  farms  and  mills  until  he  shall 
resign  his  seat,  pretendedly  occupied  by  mandamus. 
And  if  any  persons  shall  remain  or  become  his  tenants 
after  the  expiration  of  their  present  leases,  we  recom- 
mend to  the  good  people  of  this  county  not  only  to 
withdraw  all  connection  and  commercial  intercourse 
with  them,  but  to  treat  them  in  the  manner  provided  by 
the  third  resolve  of  this  congress.'  i  :* 

"  The  baronet,  not  long  after  thus  denounced  by  his 
neighbors  and  the  friends  of  his  family,  retired  to  Bos- 
ton, and  sailed  thence  in  1775  for  England.  His  lady 
died  of  small-pox,  and  was  buried  at  Halifax.  In  1778 
he  was  proscribed  and  banished ;  and  the  year  follow- 
ing was  included  in  the  Conspiracy  Act,  and  all  his  vast 
landed  estate  in  Maine  was  confiscated,  excepting  a 
small  part  reserved  as  a  portion  of  the  widow's  dower, 
as  noticed  in  page  327. 


CONCLUDING   CHAPTER. 


339 


"During  the  Revolution  he  was  treated  with  great 
respect  and  deference  by  his  fellow  exiles  in  England. 
His  house  was  open  for  their  reception,  and  in  most 
cases  in  which  the  loyalists  of  New  England  united  in 
representations  to  the  ministry  or  to  the  throne,  he  was 
their  chairman.  He  was  allowed  £500- sterling  per 
annum  by  the  British  government,  and  this  stipend, 
with  the  wreck  of  his  fortune,  consisting  of  personal 
effects,"  and  a  small  plantation  in  Surinam,  "  rendered 
his  situation  comfortable,  and  enabled  him  to  educate 
his  children  in  tht  best  manner,  and  to  relieve  the  dis- 
tresses of  the  less  fortunate.  And  it  is  to  be  remem- 
bered to  his  praise,  and  to  be  recorded  in  respect  for  his 
memory,  that  his  pecuniary  benefactions  were  not  con- 
fined to  his  countrymen  who  were  in  banishment  for 
theii*  adherence  to  the  crown,  but  were  extended  to 
Whigs  who  languished  in  England  in  captivity.  It  is 
to  be  remembered,  too,  that  his  private  life  was  irre- 
proachable, and  that  he  was  among  the  founders  of  the 
British  and  Foreign  Bible  Society.  He  died  in  Port- 
man  Square,  London,  in  December,  1816,  aged  seventy. 
Additional  facts  respecting  him  may  be  gathered  from 
Curwen's  Journal  and  Sabine's  Loyalists." 

He  had  one  son  and  three  daughters.  The  son, 
named  William,  it  was  hoped  would  live  to  bear  up  the 
adopted  name  of  Pepperrell,  and  inherit  the  title  of  his 
father;  but  he  died  at  the  Isle  of  Wight  in  1809,  unmar- 
ried. 

The  daughters  were  Elizabeth  Royall,  Mary  Hirst 
Mcintosh,  and  Harriot.* 


*  Elizabeth  Royall  Pepperrell,  married  Rev.  Henry  Hutton, 
who  died  in  1813.  Their  children  were,  1.  Elizabeth,  married,  1814, 
to  William  Moreton,  who  died,  leaving  two  daughters.    2.  Charles 


340 


LIFE  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERRELL. 


III.  The  third  son  of  Col.  Nathaniel  Sparhawk, 
named  Samuel  Hirst,  graduated  at  Harvard  College, 
1771,  was  a  refugee  to  England  with  his  brothers 
Nathaniel,  William,  and  Andrew.  He  died  in  Kittery, 
August  29,  1789,  aged  thirty-ei?:ht.  He  left  an  only 
daughter,  just  alluded  to,  who,  at  his  request,  was  adop- 
ted by  his  sister  in  Boston,  Mrs.  Dr.  Jarvis,  with  whom 
she  lived  until  the  death  of  that  lady  in  1815.  She  now 
resides  in  Portsmouth,  and  has  lately  expended  one 
hundred  dollars  in  repairing  the  old  Pepperrell  tomb. 

IV.  The  fourth  son  of  Col.  Sparhawk,  named  An- 
drew, married  a  Miss  Turner,  was  a  loyalist,  and  went 


Henry.  3.  Mary  Anne,  married,  1832,  Rev.  William  Moreton,  and 
has  seven  children.  4.  Henry,  married  Sophia  Brevort,  and  has 
eleven  children.  5.  Anne.  6.  Harriot,  married,  1829,  Rev.  David 
Drummond,  and  has  one  daughter.  7.  Louise,  married,  1824,  Arch- 
deacon I'arry,  since  bishop  of  fiarbadoes,  and  has  twelve  children.  8. 
William  Pepperrell,  married,  1836,  Elizabeth,  .who  died  1846,  and  a 
second  wife,  Ellen  Porter,  of  Chester.  9.  Thomas  Palmer,  married 
Mary  Drummond,  and  has  five  children.  10.  Frances,  unmarried. 
The  above  were  all  living  in  1848. 

Mary  Hurst  McIntosh  Pepperrell,  the  second  daughter  of 
Sir  William  married  in  July,  1799,  William  Congreve.  She  died 
without  issue,  February  4,  1839. 

Harriot,  the  third  daughter  of  Sir  William,  married,  1802, 
Cbirles  Thomas,  eldest  son  of  Sir  Charles  Grave  Hudson,  Uaronet, 
of  Wanlip  Hall,  in  the  county  of  Leicester,  and  of  Catherine  S.,  his 
wife,  who  was  eldest  daughter  and  heiress  of  Henry  Palmer ;  and  said 
Thomas  inherits  his  title  of  baronet.  Their  children  are,  1.  Louisa 
Catherine.  2.  Mary  Anne.  8.  Caroline  Harriot.  4.  George  Joseph, 
married,  February,  1836,  Emily  Elizabeth  Holford,  of  Westonbirt, 
county  of  Glocester,  and  has  two  sons.  5.  Charles  Archdale,  mar- 
ried, February  27,  1838,  Julia  Simpson,  of  Launde  Abbey,  in  the 
county  of  Rutland,  and  has  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  6.  William 
Henry,  died  September  2, 1823,  aged  eight  years. 

Sir  Charles  Palmer  (formerly  Charles  Thomas  Hudson)  died  April 
27, 1827,  and  his  widow,  Harriot  Pepperrell,  died  January  2, 1848.  . 


CONCLUDING  CHAPTER. 


341 


to  England  with  his  wife,  who  died  soon  after,  and  he 
died  there  in  1783,  leaving  no  children. 

V.  Miss  Mary  Peppbrrell  Sparhawk,  married  Dr. 
Charles  Jarvis,  of  Boston,  and  after  his  death,  she  passed 
the  remainder  of  her  days  at  Kittery  Point,  near  the 
village  church,  and  nearly  opposite  the  residence  of  her 
grandmother.  Lady  Pepperrell's  dwelling,  built  after  the 
baronet's  death.     She  died  in  ±815. 


29 


APPENDIX.. 


Abstract  of  Sir  William  PepperrelVs  Will. 

He  gives  to  Lady  Pepperrell  half  of  his  real  estate,  four 
negroes,  the  use  of  all  his  furniture  during  her  natural  life ;  and 
the  increase  of  all  his  live-stock  on  all  his  farms ;  his  chariot, 
chaise,  and  her  choice  of  two  of  his  horses ;  all  his  wines  and 
other  liquors,  and  one  thousand  pounds  sterling. 

To  his  son-in-law,  Nathaniel  Sparhawk,  all  the  dividend  to 
be  allowed  for  his  demand  against  the  late  firm  of  Sparhawk  & 
Colman,  and  for  his  wife  and  children's  support,  the  income  of 
the  other  half  of  his  real  estate,  and  the  interest  of  one  thousand 
pounds ;  also,  all  his  real  estate  in  the  north  parish  of  York 
and  in  Berwick ;  she  being  required  to  sign  all  receipts  and  to 
have  sole  power  to  bequeathe  her  legacy. 

To  his  grandson,  Nathaniel  Sparhawk,  junior,  all  the  lands 
bought  of  his  father  (after  Lady  Pepperrell^s  and  daughter's 
death)  ;  also,  one  thousand  pounds  sterling. 

To  Samuel  Hirst  Sparhawk,  his  house  and  lane!  in  Forts- 
mouth;  farm  in  Newington;  farm  near  the  iov,>ir  ferry;  a 
house  and  four  acres  of  land  at  Kittery  Point,  with  the  pasture 
between  the  battery  and  the  house  of  Black  Richard,  and  one 
thousand  pounds  sterling. 

-    To  his  grandson,  Andrew  P.  Sparhawk,  the  house  built  for 
his  son  Andrew  (deceased)  in  Kittery,  and  the  land  fenced  in 


844 


APPENDIX. 


around  said  house ;  the  gtirden  fenced  in  next  the  harbor  over 
against  said  house ;  the  three  fields  on  the  north  side  ul  .  b } 
highway  next  to  the  pasture  given  to  his  son  Samuel;  the  bat- 
tery fluid  joining  on  the  west  side  to  the  pasture  before  given  to 
his  brother  Samuel ;  all  the  lands  bought  of  Charles  Frost  at 
Sturgeon  Creek ;  and  if  he  dies,  it  goes  to  his  brother  William ; 
also,  one  thousand  pounds  sterling  on  arriving  at  twcnty-one ; 
and  all  the  furniture  left  in  his  son  Andrew's  house. 

To  his  granddaughter,  Mary  P.  Sparhawk,  the  house  and 
forty  anrcs  of  land  bought  of  the  Baxters  ;  his  lands  in  Boston 
and  in  Rutland ;  and  if  she  dies,  it  is  to  be  divided  among  his 
other  grandchildren ;  also,  his  diamond  ring,  and  one  thousand 
pounds  sterling. 

To  his  sister,  Mary  Frescott,  thirty  pounds  sterling. 

To  his  sister,  Miriam  Tyler,  all  his  right  in  her  house,  and 
what  is  due  on  mortga,";e  or  otherwise. 

To  his  sister,  Dorothy  Newmarch,  all  her  husband  owes  him 
and  six  pounds  sterling. 

To  his  sister,  Jane  Tyler,  twenty  pounds  sterling. 

To  his  kinsmen,  John  and  Andrew  Phillips,  what  they  owe 
him  and  three  poun  Is  sterling ;  and  to  John,  the  use  of  fifty 
acres  of  land,  for  life,  in  Saco,  where  he  now  lives. 

To  his  kinswoman,  Sarah  Frost,  his  deceased  brother's  oldest 
daughter,  all  the  money  she  and  her  deceased  husband,  Charles 
Frost,  owed  him,  and  thirty  pounds  sterling. 

To  the  children  of  his  deceased  kinswoman,  Margery  Went- 
worth,  all  the  money  that  their  father,  Capt.  William  Went- 
worth,  owed  him,  and  ten  pounds  sterling  to  each. 

To  his  kinswoman,  Jane  Watkins,  all  the  money  that  her  de- 
ceased husband,  Capt.  Andrew  Watkins,  owed  him. 

To  his  kinsman,  Capt.  William  Frost,  one  half  of  all  he  owes 
him,  provided  he  pays  the  other  half,  within  two  years,  to  his 
brother,  Andrew  P.  Frost,  and  his  sister,  Sarah  Blunt,  equally. 
To  the  children  of  Joel  Whitemore,  all  the  money  that  their 
father  owed  him. 

To  his  kinsman,  William  Whittemore,  all  the  money  he  owed 
him. 


APPENDIX. 


345 


To  each  of  tho  children  of  his  kinswoman,  Margery  Gcrrish, . 
five  pounds  sterling. 

To  the  Rev.  Denjnmin  Stevens,  ten  pounds  sterling. 

To  each  of  the  children  of  his  kinswoman,  £liza  Hale,  de- 
ceased, five  pounds  sterling. 

To  his  kinsman,  John  Wutkins,  twenty  pounds  sterling. 

To  his  kinsman,  Edmund  Moody,  all  he  owed  him,  and  ten 
pounds  sterling.* 

To  his  kinswoman,  Dorothy  Pitman,  all  the  money  that  her 
husband,  Derry  Pitman,  owed  him. 

To  his  kinswoman,  Joanna  Frost,  all  the  money  that  her  de- 
ceased husband,  Charles  Frost,  Esquire,  of  Falmouth,  owed 
him,  and  ten  pounds  sterling. 

To  his  kinsman,  John  Frost,  (of  Elliot,)  all  the  money  he 
owed  him. 

To  Hannah  Billings,  five  pounds  sterling. 

To  the  poor  of  the  parish  in  Kittery,  two  hundred  bushels  of 
corn,  fifly  bushels  annually,  as  his  executors  and  minister  should 
direct. 

To  the  poor  of  the  church,  ten  pounds  as  above,  and  ten 
pounds  for  plate  for  the  church. 

To  his  grandsons,  to  be  equally  divided  between  them,  his 
clothing  and  armor  and  gold  rings. 

Shoidd  his  daughter  have  any  more  children,  he  gives  them 
one  thousand  pounds  each. 

To  his  grandson  and  residuary  legatee,  William  P.  Spar- 
hawk,  one  thousand  pounds;  and  after  his  wife  and  daughter's 
decease,  on  condition  that  he  has  his  name  legally  changed 
from  William  Pepperrell  Sparhawk  to  William  Pepperrell,  all 
his  set  of  plate  received  from  Sir  Peter  Warren ;  and  all  the 
portraits  of  his  relations  and  friends  in  his  house ;  his  sword 


*  This  Edmund  Moody  removed  from  Kittery  to  Saco,  and  erected  the 
first  meeting-house  there.  He  had  a  son  named  WilHara  Pepperrell 
Moody,  who  succeeded  him  at  Saco,  and  a  grandson,  namely,  Colonel 
William  Moody,  an  able  politician  of  that  town. 


1'^ 


346 


APPENDIX. 


and  gold  watch,  and  all  his  real  estate  in  Saco  and  Scarborough, 
to  hold  for  his  natural  life,  and  then  to  descend  to  his  son,  who 
is  to  assume  the  nume  of  William  Pepperrell,  and  to  his  son's 
son  forever,  so  long  as  there  shall  be  one  of  the  name  in  his  line 

But  in  case  he  should  have  no  son  but  a  daughter, 

then  the  said  estate  shall  be  and  remain  in  his  eldest  daughter, 
on  condition,  that  if  she  marry,  her  husband  shall  legally  as- 
sume the  name  of  William  Pepperrell,  and  after  her  decease,  to 
go  to  the  male  issue,  and  to  the  heirs  of  such  issue,  and  heir 
male  successively  forever.  But  if  she  shall  have  no  son,  then 
said  estate  shall  be  to  her  oldest  daughter,  and  her  male  heirs, 
in  manner  aforesaid,  successively  forever,  provided  that  he 
legally  assumes  the  nam  3  of  Pepperrell. 

But  if  his  said  grandson  William  shall  not  leave  any  issue 
male  or  female  to  inherit  the  estate  and  name,  then  his  grand- 
son, Andrew  P.  Sparhawk,  is  substituted,  with  his  heirs,  in  like 
manner  and  on  like  conditions ;  —  and  in  case  of  failure  in  this 
line,  then  Andrew  and  his  descendants  are  in  like  manner  sub- 
stituted ;  and  in  case  of  failure  in  this  line,  then  Samuel  Hirst 
Sparhawk  and  his  heirs  and  descendants  are  in  like  manner 
substituted ;  and  in  case  of  failure  in  this  line,  then  the  son  of 
his  daughter  (should  she  have  one)  and  his  descendants  are  in 
like  manner  substituted ;  and  in  case  no  grandson  succeeds  to 
the  inheritance  as  aforesaid,  then  my  granddaughter's  husband 
shall,  he  assuming  the  name  of  Pepperrell,  be  in  like  manner 
substituted ;  and  next  to  her,  in  case  of  failure  in  this  line,  my 
daughter's  second  daughter  (should  she  have  one)  shall  be  sub- 
stituted. And  in  case  of  failure  of  all  his  direct  descendants  of 
issue,  Joanna  Frost,  of  Falmouth,  and  her  children  are  sub- 
stituted; and  next  to  Joanna  is  substituted  Pepperrell  Frost, 
son  of  widow  Sarah  Frost,  of  Kittery ;  next,  the  oldest  surviv- 
ing son  of  his  kinswoman,  Margery  Wentworth,  deceased.  And 
in  case  all  the  above  fail  of  issue,  then  the  said  estate  is  to  be 
kept  in  repair,  —  also  the  family  tomb ;  and  one  third  part  of 
the  residue  of  the  rents  and  profits  of  said  estate  to  be  applied 
towards  supporting  a  Congregational  minister,  where  the  pres- 


APPENDIX. 


347 


ent  meeting  house  now  stands ;  and  a  free  school  near  to  it,  to 
be  supported  by  the  remaining  two  thirds,  under  the  care  of 
the  minister  and  his  executors,  within  half  a  mile  of  his  dwell- 
ing-house. 

The  remainder  of  his  lands  in  New  Hampshire  he  gives  to 
his  grandson,  Andrew  P.  Sparhawk ;  and  in  case  of  his  death, 
to  his  grandson  William.  All  otlier  estates,  real  or  personal, 
are  given  to  William  as  residuary  legatee ;  and  in  case  of  his 
death,  to  Andrew ;  and  in  the  event  that  both  die,  it  is  to  be 
divided  between  his  other  children  equally. 

He  appoints  Mary  Pepperrell,  his  wife,  and  Benjamin 
Greenleaf,  executors,  until  his  grandsons  Nathaniel  and  William 
arrive  of  age.  The  will  was  signed  in  January,  and  a  codicil 
to  it  was  signed  the  4th  of  July,  1759,  two  days  before  his  de- 
cease. 


B. 


Officers  in  Pepperrell's  Army  at  the  Reduction  of  Louishurg,  1745. 

1.  York  County,  Pepperrell's  Regiment.  —  Colonel  Brad- 
street,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Storer,  Major  Cutts.  Captains: 
Peter  Staples,  Ephraim  Baker,  John  Fairfield,  Bray  Dearing, 
John  Kinslagh,  John  Harmon,  Moses  Butler,  Thomas  Perkins, 
William  Warner,  Moses  Pearson. 

2.  Connecticut,  General  Wolcott's  Regiment.  —  Colonel  Burr, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Lothrop,  Major  Goodridge.  Captains : 
David  Wooster,  Stephen  Lee,  Daniel  Chapman,  William  Whit- 
ing, Robert  Dennison,  Andrew  Ward,  James  Church,  Henry 
King. 

3.  Cumberland  County,  Colonel  Waldo's  Regiment.  —  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Noble,  Major  Hunt.  Captains :  Samuel  Moody, 
John  Watts,  Philip  Damarisque,  Benjamin  Goldthwait,  Daniel 


348 


APPENDIX. 


Hale,  Jacob  Stevens,  James  Noble,  Richard  Jacques,  Daniel 
Fogg,  Joseph  Richardson. 

4.  Brigadier  Dwight's  Regiment.  —  Colonel  of  Artillery, 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Thomas,  Major  Gardner. 

5.  York  Countyy  Colonel  Moulton's  Regiment.  —  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Donnell,  Major  Ellis.  Captains:  John  Card,  John 
Lane,  Christopher  Marshall,  James  Grant,  Charles  King,  Peter 
Prescott,  Ami  R.  Cutter,  Samuel  Rhodes,  Bartholomew  Trow, 
Estes  Hatch.  v    , 

6.  Worcester  J  Colonel  Willard's  Regiment.  —  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Chandler,  Major  Pomroy.  Captains :  Joshua  Pierce, 
John  Terry,  John  Alexander,  David  Melvin,  John  Warner, 
Jabez  Homestead,  Joseph  Miller,  James  Goulding,  James  Ste- 
phens. 

7.  JEssex,  Colonel  Hale's  Regiment  —  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Eveleigh,  Major  Titcomb.     Captains :  Benjamin  Ives,  Daniel 

Eveleigh, Titcomb,  John  Dodge,  Jonathan  Bagley,  Jere 

Foster,  Samuel  Davis,  Thomas  Stanford,  Charles  Byles. 

8.  Bristol,  Colonel  Richmond's  Regiment. — Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Pitts,  Major  Hodges.  Captains:  Nathaniel  Bosworth, 
Thomas  Gilbert,  Josiah  Pratt,  Robert  Swan,  Ebenezer  East- 
man, Cornelius  Sole,  John  Lawrence,  Nathaniel  Williams,  Eb- 
enezer Nichols, Weston. 

9.  Col.  Gorham's  Regiment.  —  Lieutenant-Colonel  Gorham, 
Major  Thatcher.  Captains :  Jonathan  Carey,  Elisha  Doane, 
Sylvester  Cobb,  Israel  Bailey,  Edward  Demmick,  Gersliom 
Bradford,  Samuel  Lombard. 

10.  New  Hampshire,  Colonel  More's  Regiment.  —  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Meserve,  Major  Gilman.  Captains:  Samuel  Whitten, 
William  Waldron,  True  Dudley,  Tufton  Mason,  William  Sea- 
ward, Daniel  Ladd,  Henry  Sherburne,  John  Turnel,  Samuel 
Hale,  Jacob  Tilton,  Edward  Williams. 


APrENDIX. 


349 


// 


C. 


Brief  Notices  of  some  Persons  etKjof/ed  in  the  Expedition  to  Louisburtj 

in  1745. 

Governor  Wolcott.  —  The  army  engaged  in  this  expedi- 
tion was  the  largest  ever  raised  in  the  colonic  i.  The  only  one 
that  approximated  to  it  was  raised  in  1711,  and  commanded  by 
General  Nicholson,  which  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  against 
Canada.  Very  few,  if  any,  of  the  officers  who  were  with  Nich- 
olson went  to  Louisburg,  with  the  exception  of  General  Wol- 
cott. He  was  deputy -commissary  of  the  Connecticut  troops, 
who,  with  those  raised  in  New  Yoi^k  and  New  Jersey,  marched 
from  Albany  towards  Quebec ;  but  learning  on  their  way  that 
the  large  fleet  under  Admiral  Walker,  having  seven  thousand 
regulars  and  provincials  on  boai'd,  designed  to  cooperate  against 
Quebec,  was  driven  back  from  the  Saint  Lawrence  by  adverse 
winds  and  unskilful  pilotage  to  the  Sidney  river,  and  had  aban- 
doned the  enterprise,  they  retreated  to  Albany,  making  it  a  dis- 
astrous campaign  for  the  colonies. 

In  1745,  Wolcott,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six,  headed  the  troops 
of  Connecticut  as  major-general,  next  in  rank  to  Pepperrell, 
and  returned  soon  after  the  conquest  to  New  London,  the  place 
of  embarkation.  He  was  afterward  chief  just  i>e  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  Connecticut,  and  Governor  from  1751  to  1754.  He 
died  May  13,  1767,  in  the  eighty-ninth  year  of  his  age.  His 
son  signed  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 

Brigadier-General  Samuel  Waldo,  third  land  officer, 
was  son  of  Jonathan  Waldo,  a  wealthy  merchant  of  Boston. 
There  were  several  coincidences  in  his  life  compared  with  that 
of  Pepperrell.  Both  were  extensive  landholders  in  Maine,  both 
resided  there ;  the  two  commanded  the  two  regiments  of  Maine  ; 
they  were  many  years  associated  in  the  Governor's  Council ; 
were  at  Louisburg  together ;  their  children  were  betrothed ; 
they  passed  a  year  together  in  England ;  they  were  born  the 
same  year,  and  died  within  a  few  days  of  each  other. 

30 


350 


APPENDIX. 


In  the  winter  of  1746  and  '47,  Massachusetts  raised  fifteen 
hundred  men  to  march  in  mid-winter  against  Crown  Point, 
under  General  Waldo;  but  they  were  attacked  by  smallpox, 
which  frustrated  the  enterprise.  Waldo  was  an  accomplished 
gentleman,  active  and  enterprising,  had  enjoyed  the  advantage 
of  foreign  travel,  having  crossed  the  ocean  fifteen  times,  and 
was  an  elegant  military  officer,  tall  and  portly.  In  May,  1759, 
he  accompanied  Governor  Pownall  to  the  Penobscot  Kiver,  and 
Wiis  standing  near  him,  indicating  the  boundary  of  his  own  land, 
when  he  fell  dead  upon  the  spot,  aged  sixty-three.  His  son, 
Samuel  Waldo,  junior,  succeeded  his  father  as  colonel  of  a  regi- 
ment, and  was  judge  of  probate,  representative  eight  years, 
and  dhed  1770,  aged  forty-nine.  Francis,  second  son,  was  the 
first  collector  in  Maine,  representative  1762  and  '63;  pro- 
scribed and  banished  1775.   Died  in  England  1782,  unmarried. 

Colonel  John  Bradstkeet,  who  commanded  Pepperrell's 
•own  regiment  in  1755,  was,  after  the  reduction  of  Louisburg, 
appointed  Governor  of  Newfoundland.  In  the  war  of  1775  he 
was  actively  engaged,  and  repulsed  a  superior  force  that  lay  in 
ambuscade,  in  his  pathway  from  Oswego  to  Albany,  while  at 
.the  head  of  a  large  force  of  boatmen.  In  1758,  he  commanded 
•three  thousand  men  against  Fort  Frontinac,  which  he  reduced, 
.and  captured  a  large  supply  of  provisions,  ?annon,  and  ammu- 
nition. In  1765,  he  advanced  with  troops  towards  the  Indian 
•country,  and  at  Presqu  Isle  (Erie)  compelled  the  Delawares 
and  Shawnees  and  other  Indians  to  submit  to  terms  of  peace, 
lie  was  appointed  major-general  in  the  royal  service  in  1772, 
and  died  at  New  York,  1774.  Two  other  very  distinguished 
generals  in  the  French  war  died  this  year,  -—  Sir  William 
Johnson  and  General  John  Winslow. 

Captain  David  Wooster,  in  the  Connecticut  regiment  in 
1745,  was  matlo  a  colonel  in  1755  in  the  Provincial  army,  and 
•was  appointed  brigadier  by  Congress  in  the  Revolutionary 
:army.  He  resigned,  and  was  appointed  first  major-general  in 
the  Connecticut  troops,  and  was  mortally  wounded  near  Nor- 
walk. 


// 


APPENDIX. 


351 


Lieutenant-Colonel  Lothrop,  of  the  Connecticut  forces, 
was  an  enterprising  and  religious  man,  fond  of  military  life,  and 
held  many  civil  offices. 

Colonel  Richard  Gridley  commanded  iha  artillery  at 
Louisburg,  and  thirty  years  after  traced  and  superintended  the 
battery  on  Bunker's  Hill,  which  was  thrown  up  in  the  night 
before  the  memorable  battle.  He  also  planned  and  superin- 
tended the  building  of  Fort  "William  Henry  in  1775.  He  was 
appointed  commander-in-chief  of  artillery  in  the  Continental 
army  by  Congress,  but,  on  account  of  advanced  age,  gave  way 
for  the  appointment  of  General  Knox.  He  held  civil  offices, 
and  was  a  member  of  the  General  Coui^t. 

CoLc  i:l  Jeremiah  Moulton  was  born  in  York,  Maine, 
1688 ;  was  taken  prisoner  by  Indians  at  York  when  four  years 
old.  He  marched  with  Captain  Ha.-mon  and  two  hundred  men 
to  Norridgewock,  and  destroyed  the  Indian  village,  killing 
Father  Rawle  and  twenty-six  Indians.  He  commanded  a  regi- 
ment at  the  siege  under  Pepperrell,  and  was  afterwards  sheriff, 
counsellor,  judge  of  the  common  pleas  and  of  probate.  Pie  died 
at  York,  July  20,  1765,  aged  seventy-seven.  His  son  and 
grandson  were  sheriffs  of  York  county. 

Major  Pomroy,  in  Colonel  Willard's  regiment,  was  ap- 
pointed a  brigadier  in  the  Continental  army,  but  declined  in 
favor  of  General  Thomas. 

Matthew  Thornton,  signer  of  the  Declaration  of  Inde- 
pendence, Was  surgeon  of  the  New  Hamps'iini  regiment  com- 
manded by  Colonel  Moore  at  Louisburg,  in  1745. 

Brigadier  John  Nixon,  of  the  Revolutionary  army,  a 
native  of  Framingham,  Mass.,  was  a  soldier  under  Pepperrell 
at  Louisburg. 

Colonel  Robert  Hale,  high-sherirf  of  Essex  county,  and 
many  years  a  member  of  the  Legislature  from  Beverly.  He 
was  appointed  hospital  surgeon  in  the  subsequent  war  of  1755, 
but  declined  the  office.  An  interesting  account  is  given  of  liim 
uy  Rev.  Mr.  Stone,  of  Providence,  in  his  History  of  Beverly. 

Major  Mo.si:;^  TitcO-MU,  of  Colonel  Hale's  regiment,  was 


352 


APPENDIX. 


appointed  colonel  Jn  the  war  of  1755,  and  was  killed  September 
8th  of  that  year  at  Crown  Point. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Meserve,  under  Colonel  Moore  of 
New  Hampshire  in  1745,  was  colonel  of  a  regiment  of  New 
Hampshire  troops  sent  to  Crown  Point,  under  Abercrombie  and 
General  Winslow.  He  went  with  Amherst  in  the  second  ex- 
pedivion  against  Louisburg,  with  the  rank  of  colonel,  but  in 
charge  of  two  hundred  ship  carpenters.  Most  of  them  were 
attacked  with  smallpox,  and  Colonel  Meserve  and  his  son  died 
during  the  siege. 

Of  the  subsequent  career  of  the  officers  of  the  British  fleet  at 
Louisburg,  little  is  known,  excepting  of  Commodore  Warren. 

Sir  Peter  "Warren  was  born  in  Ireland,  was  long  employed 
on  the  coast  of  America  and  in  the  West  Indies.  He  married 
Susan,  daughter  of  Lieutenant-Governor  James  Delancy,  of 
New  York,  and  purchased  lands  extensively  on  the  Mohawk 
lilver  and  further  westward.  In  1734  he  invited  from  Ireland 
his  nephew,  William  Johnson,  to  take  charge  of  his  estates  on 
the  Mohawk.  Johnson  resided  among  the  Indians  thirty  miles 
from  Albany,  acquired  a  large  influence  over  them,  led  a 
numerous  body  of  them  to  Crown  Point  and  Niagara,  and  was 
made  lieutenant-genera*  and  baronet.  He  died  in  1774 ;  and 
his  son  John  inherited  the  baronetcy,  vho  became  a  tory,  fled 
to  Canada,  was  commissioned  major-general,  left  his  immense 
estates  to  be  confiscated,  and  incited  Canadian  Indians  to  rav- 
age his  former  neighborhood.  He  ^vas  appointed  Governor  of 
Upper  Canada  1796,  and  died  1798.  Warren,  his  uncle,  we 
have  seen,  gave  seven  hundred  pounds  to  educate  Indian  chil- 
dren on  the  Mohawk  River,  was  made  a  baronet  In  1747,  and 
died  in  England  in  1752. 


END. 


